What at Costa Mesa Public Records?
Per the California Open Records Act, Costa Mesa's public records encompass any data created, stored, cataloged, or reproduced by local or state agencies - except when legally exempted by the state law. The definition of public records comprises traditional written documents such as books and papers, maps, statistical tables and graphs, tapes, films, audio recordings, and computer-generated documents. Custodian agencies may choose to restrict or redact parts or whole public records if it contains at least one of the following data:
- Criminal offender information.
- Medical records.
- Information about attorney-client privilege.
- Personnel data and similar files, such as salary information and investigations of employee misconduct (if the charges are untrue after due investigations).
- Architectural and official building plans.
- Information used in voter registration, such as email address, home address, and other identifying information.
- Juvenile records and information compiled by law enforcement agencies.
- Data about pending litigation that involves a public agency or entity.
- Law enforcement agencies’ investigatory files and procedures.
- Preliminary or drafts used in decision making by government agencies.
- Minutes of the meeting of public entities closed to the public.
Crime Statistics
The Costa Mesa Police Department generates and compiles records of arrests carried out within the city. It also produces an annual crime report and statistics, which is adopted by the FBI's Uniform Crime Report (UCR). Per the 2019 FBI UCR, the city of Costa Mesa recorded a total number of 4,051 reported crimes. This full figure comprises 312 violent crimes and 3,739 property crimes. The listed violent crimes include 52 rapes, 104 robberies, and 156 aggravated assaults. No murder was reported. On the other hand, the recorded property crimes include - 450 burglaries, 2,934 larcenies-thefts, 355 motor vehicle thefts, and 16 arsons.
Compared with the 2016 UCR for Costa Mesa, the total number of reported index crimes fell drastically by 19 percent. In addition to this, the rate of violent crimes fell by 24 percent, while property crimes fell by 19 percent. The percentage difference in violent crimes is as follows - murder (-100%), rape (-13%), robbery (-28%), and aggravated assault (-24%). On the other hand, the percentage difference in the listed property crimes is as follows - burglary (-38%), larcenies-thefts (-11%), motor vehicle thefts (-38%), and arson (-45%).
Are Costa Mesa Criminal Records Public?
Not all Costa Mesa criminal records are open to public disclosure. For instance, according to the California Open Records Act, juvenile criminal records are redacted and restricted from public disclosure. In addition to this, the California Department of Justice restricts access to all criminal records to authorized applicant agencies and state or local law enforcement agencies. Individuals can request and get copies of their criminal records by submitting fingerprint images via the Livescan platform.
To get copies of criminal records, download the BCIA 8016RR Livescan form. Select the "Record Review" in the "Application Type" section. Fill in the following personal details, such as sex, date of birth, driver's license number, height, weight, eye color, street address, zip code, and telephone number. Submit the completed form alongside the non-refundable $25 processing fee to any of the following Livescan centers:
Orange County Sheriff's Department
11 Journey
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: (949) 425-1801
Livescan Center in Orange County, Inc.
201 E. Center Street
Suite #103
Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: (714) 635-6600
haresh88@hotmail.com
Secure Live Scan
6 Journey Street
Suite #270
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: (949) 633-0948
info@securelivescan.com
The Costa Mesa Police Department, via the Records/Identification Section Bureau, also maintains Costa Mesa criminal records. Requesters can obtain copies of criminal records in Costa Mesa by submitting a record request in-person at the Record Bureau Section of the:
Costa Mesa Police Department
99 Fair Drives
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 754-5280
How to Obtain Costa Mesa Police Reports and Arrest Records
Costa Mesa police reports and arrest records are accessible to the public via the city and state custodian agencies. For instance, the Records and Evidence Bureau of the Costa Mesa Police Department generates and provides access to arrest reports and crime incidents dating as far back as five years ago. Hence, requesters may get copies of arrest records and police report by visiting the:
The Records and Evidence Bureau of the Costa Mesa Police Department
99 Fair Drives
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 754-5280
The California Department of Justice also offers arrest records and police reports on requests from the record subject and authorized agencies. Record subjects can request arrest records and police reports by downloading the Livescan BCIA 8016RR form and filling out the following data - the applicant's full name, date of birth, age, weight, sex, eye and hair color, social security number, place of birth, driver's license, and contact details. Submit the completed form to any of the listed addresses:
Orange County Sheriff's Department
11 Journey
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: (949) 425-1801
Livescan Center in Orange County, Inc.
201 E. Center Street
Suite #103
Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: (714) 635-6600
haresh88@hotmail.com
Secure Live Scan
6 Journey Street
Suite #270
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: (949) 633-0948
info@securelivescan.com.
Include the $25 processing fee when ordering for arrest records. Out-of-State requesters should mail the completed form alongside the required payment in the form of a money order or check to the:
California Department of Justice
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Analysis
Record Review & Challenge Section
P.O. Box 160207
Sacramento, CA 95816-0207
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Costa Mesa
In line with the Penal Code § 290.46, the California Megan's Law website provides a regularly updated list of sex offenders in Costa Mesa and the state of California. Sex offenders' data, such as names, aliases, photographs, physical descriptions, and addresses, are accessible to the public via the website. The website allows requesters to search for sex offenders via a simple name-based sex offender search and an advanced sex offender search.
To utilize the name-based sex offender search, input the sex offender's first name and last name into the search boxes. On the other hand, the advanced sex offenders search allows requesters to get information about sex offenders in a particular location. Requesters can find sex offenders using the distance in miles.Requesters may use their device as a GPS device to find sex offenders in their vicinity.
How to Find Costa Mesa Inmate Information
Through Orange County's searchable online platform, interested parties can request and search for inmates currently being held in any of Costa Mesa's correctional facilities. The online searchable platform enables requesters to search for inmate information using the inmate's first, middle, and last name, age, and gender. In addition to this, the platform allows requesters to obtain inmate information by searching in alphabetical order. Requesters can also search based on gender.
How do I Visit an Inmate in Costa Mesa Jail?
Intending visitors must get pre-approved by the Jail Administrator and also schedule a visit before the visitation session. In addition to this, visitors must dress appropriately during visitations. The visitation schedule for Costa Mesa Police Department Jail is as follows:
(Mondays to Saturdays) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
(Sunday) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Costa Mesa Police Department Jail is located at:
77 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 754-5000
Court Records
As a part of the California Judicial Branch, the Orange County Superior Court provides access to a myriad of court records, including criminal court records, civil court records, traffic records, and probate records.
Location of All Courts in Costa Mesa
The City of Costa Mesa and Orange County is home to seven Superior Court. The courts' addresses and contact details are listed below:
Orange County Superior Courts
Orange County Superior Court - Central Justice Center (CJC)
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (657) 622-6878
Orange County Superior Court - Community Court
909 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (657) 622-5800
Orange County Superior Court - Complex Civil Center (CXC)
751 West Santa Ana Boulevard
P.O. Box 22028
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Phone: (657) 622-6878
Orange County Superior Court - Harbor Justice Center Newport Beach (HJC/NB)
4601 Jamboree Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (657) 622-5400
Orange County Superior Court - Lamoreaux Justice Center (LJC)
341 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868
Phone: (657) 622-6878
Orange County Superior Court - North Justice Center (NJC)
1275 North Berkeley Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92832
Phone: (657) 622-5600
Orange County Superior Court - West Justice Center (WJC)
8141 13th Street
Westminster, CA 92683
Phone: (677) 622-5900
Are Costa Mesa Court Records Public?
Per California state law, not all court records are accessible to the public. Court records containing confidential information are exempted from public disclosure. The following court records are also legally exempt from public disclosure: juvenile delinquency cases, civil harassment cases, juvenile dependency cases, and child custody cases. Only authorized persons may request, inspect, and obtain copies of confidential court records.
Can You Look Up a Costa Mesa Court Case Online?
The Superior Court of California, Orange County Division provides online access to Costa Mesa court records via the court case searchable online platform. Hence, requesters may search for civil and small claims records, criminal records, family law records, probate records, juvenile records, and traffic records via the platform. To get Costa Mesa's court records via the online platform, search by court case number or parties' names.
Similarly, the Costa Mesa City Clerk's Office hosts an online repository of court case records within the city. Requesters may request online court records by filling out the online request form. For documents more than 20 pages, write "do not exceed $60" on the check or money order. Send the completed request form or written request alongside the search fee as a money order or check to the:
Lamoreaux Justice Center
341 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868-3205
The Costa Mesa City Clerk's Office is an alternative option for accessing criminal court cases in the city. Requesters must fill in their names, mailing address, email address, telephone number, and the purpose for the request on the online application form.
How to Obtain Costa Mesa's Civil Court Case Records
Costa Mesa's civil court case records are accessible to interested persons via various platforms maintained by local and state custodian agencies. The Superior Court of California, Orange County Division maintains an online database of civil court cases from 1899 to the present. Requesters may access civil court records online by conducting searches via case number, business, or individuals' names.
Also, requesters may request and access Costa Mesa civil court records via mail. To request via mail, requesters must complete the Form #L-696 copy request form or send a written request detailing the following information -
- The case number (if known).
- The name of defendant/respondent or plaintiff/petitioner.
- Date of filing (if known).
Include a check for the number of copies being requested. If requesting documents less than 20 pages, include a "do not exceed $25" on the money order or check. For certified copies of documents more than 20 pages, write "do not exceed $60" on the check or money order.
Conversely, the Costa Mesa City Clerk's Office also provides access to civil court records via its online request platform. Requesters must fill in their names, mailing address, email address, telephone number, and the purpose for the request.
How to Obtain Costa Mesa Criminal Court Case Records
Interested persons may request and access Costa Mesa criminal court case records from the Superior Court of California, Orange County Division. This custodian agency, via a searchable online platform, maintains and provides access to criminal court records from 1899 to the present. To get Costa Mesa criminal court records via the online platform, search for criminal records using the parties or business name, and case number (if known).
On the other hand, requesters may request and access Costa Mesa criminal court records via mail. To request via mail, complete the Form #L-696 copy request form or send a written request detailing the following information -
- The case number (if known).
- The name of the defendant/respondent or plaintiff/petitioner.
- Date of filing (if known).
Interested parties must include a check for the number of copies being requested. If requesting documents less than 20 pages, requesters must also include a "do not exceed $25" on the money order or check. For certified copies or documents more than 20 pages, write "do not exceed $60" on the check or money order. Send the completed request form or written request alongside the search fee as a money order or check to the:
Lamoreaux Justice Center
341 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868-3205
The Costa Mesa City Clerk's Office is an alternative option for accessing criminal court cases in the city. Requesters must fill their names, mailing address, email address, telephone number, and the purpose for the request on the online application form.
What are Costa Mesa Vital Records?
Costa Mesa's vital records are official documents that contain data about life events within the city. Vital records include - but are not limited to - birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce certificates. Local and state agencies, which acts as custodian agencies, allow requesters to request and obtain copies of vital records. To obtain copies of vital records, requesters must adhere to the custodian agencies' guidelines.
Where and How to Obtain Costa Mesa Divorce Records
The Superior Court of California, Orange County Division maintains and grants requesters access to copies of divorce certificates from 1898 to the present. Requesters can utilize the Superior Court's online searchable portal to obtain copies of divorce records. Also, requesters may opt to receive copies of divorce certificates via mail-in requests. To get copies of divorce certificates via mail, download and fill out the Form #L-696 copy request form, attach the specified search fee, and send it to the:
Lamoreaux Justice Center
341 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868-3205
Where and How to Obtain Costa Mesa Marriage Records
The Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office is responsible for issuing, maintaining, and granting access to marriage certificates in the city of Costa Mesa. Hence, requesters may order certified or non-certified copies of Costa Mesa marriage certificates via two options - mail service and in-person service. To order copies of marriage certificates in person, requesters must complete the online request form via the Vital Records Application System. Within 30 days after completing the online request form, requesters must visit and provide a valid government-issued photo ID at any of these locations:
North County Branch Office
Wells Fargo Building/Parking
222 South Harbor Boulevard
Suite 110
Anaheim, CA 92805
Laguna Hills Civic Center
24031 El Toro Road
Suite 150
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Old Orange County Courthouse
211 West Santa Ana Boulevard
Santa Ana, CA 92701
County Administration South
601 North Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Costa Mesa marriage certificates are only accessible to authorized persons. Also, certified or non-certified copies of Costa Mesa marriage certificates are accessible via mail requests. To order marriage certificates via mail, send a written request detailing the requester's details and the record bearers' full name, date, and location of the marriage event, and send to the:
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Attn: Vital Records
P.O. Box 238
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Certified copies of Costa Mesa marriage certificates cost $15. The Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office only accepts payment in the form of money orders or checks for mail-in services.
Where and How to Obtain Costa Mesa Birth Records
Interested persons may request and access certified or non-certified copies of Costa Mesa birth certificates via the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. Birth certificates are accessible to requesters via mail-in services or in-person services. Accessing birth certificates via walk-in services, requesters must first fill out the online request form via the Vital Records Application System. Within a month of completing the online request form, requesters must provide a valid proof of identification at any of the following locations:
North County Branch Office
Wells Fargo Building/Parking
222 South Harbor Boulevard
Suite 110
Anaheim, CA 92805
Laguna Hills Civic Center
24031 El Toro Road
Suite 150
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Old Orange County Courthouse
211 West Santa Ana Boulevard
Santa Ana, CA 92701
County Administration South
601 North Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Only authorized persons are eligible to get copies of Costa Mesa birth certificates. On the other hand, requesters may opt to get certified or non-certified copies of birth certificates via mail. Download and complete the online vital record request form, include a notarized statement as a proof of authorization, attach a $28 check or money order payable to the Clerk-Recorder's Office, and send to the:
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Attn: Vital Records
P.O. Box 238
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Where and How to Obtain Costa Mesa Death Records
Certified or non-certified copies of Costa Mesa death certificates are only accessible to authorized persons via the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. Hence, authorized requesters may request and access copies of death certificates in Costa Mesa via mail-in requests or in-person requests. Non-authorized requesters are only eligible to receive redacted copies of birth certificates. To get death certificates via in-person requests, requesters fill out the online request form via the Vital Records Application System. Within a month of completing the online request form, requesters must provide a valid proof of identification at any of the following locations:
North County Branch Office
Wells Fargo Building/Parking
222 South Harbor Boulevard
Suite 110
Anaheim, CA 92805
Laguna Hills Civic Center
24031 El Toro Road
Suite 150
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Old Orange County Courthouse
211 West Santa Ana Boulevard
Santa Ana, CA 92701
County Administration South
601 North Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
To get Costa Mesa death certificates via mail requests, download and fill out the vital record request form. Also, requesters must include a notarized statement that the requester is an authorized person, attach the $21 search fee as a money order or check, and send it to the:
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Attn: Vital Records
P.O. Box 238
Santa Ana, CA 92702
