LAKE FOREST PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Lake Forest Public Records?

Per the California Open Records Act, Lake Forest public records are any data or information created, stored, filed, and re-created by local and state agencies or departments. The term “public records” encompasses traditional written documents such as papers and books, maps, statistical tables and graphs, photographs, tapes, films, audio recordings, and computer-generated documents. Under the Open Records Act, not all public records are open to the public. Some public records in Lake Forest are exempt from public access. Examples of restricted public records are:

• Medical records.
• Information used in voter registration, such as email address, home address, and other identifying information.
• Information about attorney-client privilege.
• Personnel data and similar files, such as salary information and employee misconduct investigations (if the charges are untrue after due investigations).
• Minutes of the meeting of public entities closed to the public.
• Juvenile records and information compiled by law enforcement agencies.
• Data about pending litigation that involves a public agency or entity.
• Architectural and official building plans.
• Criminal offender information.
• Law enforcement agencies’ investigatory files and procedures.
• Preliminary or drafts used in decision-making by government agencies.

Lake Forest Crime Statistics

The Orange County Sheriff's Department generates, compiles, and publishes all index crimes reported in Lake Forest City. Also, it creates an annual crime report for all index crimes, which is included in the FBI Uniform Crime Report. Per the 2019 FBI UCR, Lake Forest City reported a total number of 750 index crimes. This full figure comprises 66 violent crimes and 684 property crimes.

The listed violent crimes include murder, seven rapes, 14 robberies, and 44 aggravated assaults. On the other hand, the recorded property crimes include - 108 burglaries, 503 larcenies-thefts, 73 motor vehicle thefts, and two arsons.

Compared with the 2016 UCR for Lake Forest, the total number of reported index crimes dropped slightly by 11 percent. Furthermore, the rate of violent offenses reduced by 37 percent, while property crimes fell by eight percent. The percentage difference in violent crimes is as follows - murder (100%), rape (-58%), robbery (7%), and aggravated assault (-41%). On the other hand, the percentage difference in the listed property crimes is as follows - burglary (-20%), larcenies-thefts (-6%), motor vehicle thefts (-6%), and arson (-71%).

Are Lake Forest Criminal Records Public?

Per the California Open Records Act, not all criminal records are open to public members. The Act restricts confidential public records from public access. For example, juvenile criminal records in Lake Forest are exempt from public disclosure. In Lake Forest City, only the record subject, authorized applicant agencies, and public departments can obtain criminal records from the California Department of Justice. At the California Department of Justice, record subjects can obtain copies of their criminal records by submitting fingerprint images via the State Livescan platforms.

Obtain copies of criminal records by downloading and filling out the BCIA 8016RR Livescan form. The requester should fill in personal information, such as full name, date of birth, sex, age, height, race, driver's license, zip code, address, and telephone number. Also, choose "Record Review" as the "Application Type.” Send the completed form alongside a non-refundable money order or check for $25 to any of the following Livescan centers:

Downtown Live Scan Fingerprinting Center
1625 West Olympic Boulevard
Suite 725
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone: (323) 534-0882

Certifix Live Scan – Los Angeles
5101 Santa Monica Boulevard
Suite #8
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone: (213) 699-5866

How to Obtain Lake Forest Police Reports and Arrest Records

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office maintains and provides access to Lake Forest police reports or arrest records. However, access to arrest records or police reports is restricted to only crime victims, persons authorized by the victims, insurance agencies representing the record subjects, and persons suffering a property loss or damage or bodily injury. To access Lake Forest arrest records or police reports, make a request in-person or via mail. To obtain Lake Forest arrest record or police report, download and fill out the request authorization form and send it through mail to the Sheriff’s Office at:

Orange County Sheriff’s Office
P.O. Box 449
Santa Ana, CA 92702

Appear in person at the address below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays to obtain copies of Lake Forest arrest records or police reports.

320 North Flower Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703

In addition to this, requesters can also get arrest records or police reports via email requests to the Sheriff’s Office. Send an email request to reportrequest@ocsd.org to obtain arrest records.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lake Forest

The California Megan’s Law website provides information on all registered sex offenders in Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest Inmate Information

Lake Forest inmate information is available through Orange County’s online inmate database. Interested persons can search for offenders incarcerated in any of Orange County’s correctional centers by inputting the offender’s name and gender into the online database. In addition to this, Orange County’s online inmate database also features Lake Forest inmates’ list in alphabetical order.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Lake Forest Jail

All Lake Forest inmates are incarcerated at the Orange County Jail Facilities. The Orange County Jail comprises the following jail facilities:

Central Men's Jail
550 North Flower Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703

Central Women’s Jail
550 North Flower Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703

Intake Release Center
550 North Flower Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703

Theo Lacy Facility
501 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868

According to the Orange County Jail visitation rules, intending visitors must get pre-approved by the inmate and Jail administrator. Visitors must check-in by 7:30 a.m. at the Modules D-17, D-18 & F-31, F-32 housing location. In contrast, check-in by 8:30 a.m. at the following housing location: General Population, Modules O/R & Sheltered Living, and Module D-19, D-20 & F 29.

Each inmate at the Orange County Jail is allowed a visit per day. The Orange County Jail allows a minimum of 30 minutes per visit. Visitation hours at the Orange County Jail are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Court Records

As a part of the California Judicial Branch, the Orange County Superior Court provides access to a myriad of court records in Lake Forest City. The Superior Courts’ Clerk generates court records, such as criminal court records, civil court records, traffic records, and probate records.

Location of All Courts in Lake Forest

Lake Forest City and Orange County courts’ systems comprise seven superior courts. The courts’ addresses 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 Lake Forest Court Records Public?

Under state laws, not all court records in Lake Forest are accessible to public members. Confidential court records, such as child custody cases, juvenile delinquency cases, and civil harassment cases, are often restricted or redacted from public view. Interested public members can access non-confidential court records from the Lake Forest City Clerk’s Department. Likewise, the Orange County Clerk of Courts maintains records of all court cases within the county.

Can You Look Up a Lake Forest Court Record Online?

Online copies of Lake Forest court records are available via Lake Forest’s online request portal. Visit the online request portal and fill out the requester’s details and request description to obtain online copies of Lake Forest court records.

Similarly, the Superior Court of California, Orange County Division provides online access to Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest's court records via the online platform, requesters must search by court case number or parties' names.

How to Obtain Lake Forest Civil Court Case Records

Interested persons can access copies of Lake Forest civil court case records from local and state custodian agencies. For instance, the Superior Court of California, Orange County Division, maintains an online database of civil court cases from 1899. Therefore, interested public members may access Lake Forest civil court case records online by conducting searches using a known case number or individuals' names.

Also, interested public members can obtain Lake Forest civil court records via mail orders. 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 or money order for the number of copies being requested. Include a "do not exceed $25" on the money order or check when ordering documents less than 20 pages. In contrast, write "do not exceed $60" on the check or money order for certified copies of documents of more than 20 pages.

Likewise, copies of civil court case records are obtainable at Lake Forest’s online request portal. Visit the online request portal and fill out the requester’s details and request description to obtain online copies of Lake Forest court records. Send the completed form alongside the specified search fee to the:

Lamoreaux Justice Center
341 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868-320

How to Obtain Lake Forest Criminal Court Case Records

Access copies of Lake Forest from the Lake Forest City Clerk’s Department. The Clerk’s Department provides access to criminal court case records through an online request portal. Input the requester’s details and request description to obtain online copies of Lake Forest court records.

Similarly, the Orange County Division of the California Supreme Court is the custodian of all criminal court case records in Lake Forest. Requesters can get Lake Forest criminal court records via an online court record database. Search for criminal records using the parties or business name and case number (if known).

On the other hand, requesters may request and access Lake Forest’s criminal 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 the defendant/respondent or plaintiff/petitioner.
• Date of filing (if known).

Include a check or money order for the number of copies being requested. Include a "do not exceed $25" on the money order or check when ordering documents less than 20 pages. In contrast, write "do not exceed $60" on the check or money order for certified copies of documents of more than 20 pages. Send the completed form alongside the specified search fee to the:

Lamoreaux Justice Center
341 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868-3205

What are Lake Forest Vital Records?

Vital records in Lake Forest City comprise documentation of life events, such as death, birth, marriage, and divorce events. Custodian agencies at the state and county level are responsible for preserving and providing access to Lake Forest’s vital records. Furthermore, these custodian agencies restrict access to vital records containing confidential information about the record bearer. The California Supreme Court, Orange County Division, is responsible for maintaining all Lake Forest vital records.

Where and How to Obtain Lake Forest Divorce Records

Lake Forest divorce records are maintained and preserved by the Superior Court of California in Orange County. Interested persons can get Lake Forest divorce records through the Superior Court’s online searchable platform. Input the record subject’s full name, case number, case type, and date to access divorce records.

Alternatively, requesters may receive copies of divorce certificates via mail-in requests. To get copies of divorce certificates via mail, requesters must 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 Lake Forest Marriage Records

The Orange County Clerk Recorder’s Office provides access to marriage records in Lake Forest City. Certified or non-certified Lake Forest marriage records are available to requesters via mail requests or in-person visits to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Order copies of marriage certificates in person by filling out the online request form via the Vital Records Application System. Within a month of 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

The Orange Clerk-Recorder’s Office only releases Lake Forest marriage certificates to authorized persons.

Also, certified or non-certified copies of Lake Forest marriage certificates are accessible via mail requests. To order marriage certificates via mail, requesters must 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

It costs $15 to get certified copies of Lake Forest marriage certificates. 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 Lake Forest Birth Records

Interested City residents and non-residents can request copies of Lake Forest birth certificates from the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Birth records in Lake Forest are obtainable via mail-in services or in-person visits to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Access birth records by completing the request form through the Vital Records Application System. Within a month of completing the online request form, requesters must provide 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

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office only allows authorized persons to get copies of Lake Forest 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 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 Lake Forest Death Records

Only authorized persons can obtain certified or non-certified copies of Lake Forest death certificates from the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. Authorized persons may request and get death certificates in Lake Forest via mail-in requests or in-person visits to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office.

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 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 Lake Forest death certificates via mail requests, download and fill out the vital record request form. Also, requesters must include a notarized statement to prove that the requester is authorized. Then, 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.