Knowing that someone you love has been arrested by a law enforcement officer is traumatic. Even worse is not knowing and wondering where they are. If someone in your life may have been arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, it is possible to find out for sure—and locate where they’re being held. However, it takes both time and patience.
Learn about how to find someone who was arrested in Los Angeles here. For more information and to get legal help, consider partnering with our Los Angeles DUI lawyers in the case of a potential drunk driving incident.
Understanding the Timeline of the Arrest
To know who to call when it comes to inmate location, It’s important to understand the timeline of an arrest:
- First few hours after the arrest: It is possible that no information will be available at all.
- 1-3 days after the arrest: they will likely be held in a small local jail by either the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), or the local police of your town or area.
- Within 3 days: The arrested party will be “arraigned” (given a court hearing). After the arraignment, they may be allowed to go free, or they may be required to post bail. If they cannot post bail, they will be transferred to a different facility and held there until their trial (or until you post bail).
That means the right person to call depends on who arrested them and how long it’s been since the arrest.
Checking Public Records and More
If you’re looking to find someone who was arrested in Los Angeles, checking public records can be a valuable starting point. However, it’s essential to approach this process with caution and understanding.
- Accessing public records: In Los Angeles, public records related to arrests and criminal activities are typically maintained by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department. These records may include arrest reports, booking details, court appearances, and more.
- Online databases: Several online platforms offer access to public records, including arrest records. Websites like the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s official website or third-party databases may provide searchable databases where you can look up arrest reports and records by name or other identifiers.
- Limitations and considerations: While public records can provide valuable information, there are limitations to what you can find. Arrest records may not always be complete or up-to-date, and certain information might be restricted due to privacy laws, police reports, and ongoing investigations.
- Additional resources: Beyond public records, other avenues for finding information about someone’s arrest in Los Angeles include contacting local law enforcement agencies, hiring a private investigator, or seeking assistance from legal professionals.
Before delving into public records or other methods of searching for information about someone’s arrest, consider the ethical implications and legal requirements associated with accessing this information. Always prioritize respect for privacy and legal compliance in your search efforts.
How to Find an Inmate in the First 3 Days Since Their Arrest
The law enforcement agency who is holding your loved one will depend on where they were arrested, not where they live:
- In Los Angeles: You can call 213-473-6100 any time, 24 hours a day. This number works for both LAPD arrests and LASD arrests. You will need to provide the full legal name of the person in order to get information. If you have their full name, you can find out if they were arrested and where they’re being held—and how to contact them.
- In other cities and townships: If the city is within Los Angeles County, it’s possible that the LASD carried out the arrest. In that case, you can still call the same number, 213-473-6100 (it’s often worth trying this number first “just in case”). If LASD did not do the arrest, however, you will need to look up the number of the local police department and call them directly.
- Online lookup: LASD also offers online lookups. Simply click here and enter the requested information.
Be aware that DUI arrests are different from many other offenses because the California Highway Patrol (CHP) carries out many of them. If it has been more than two hours since the arrest and you can’t find your loved one at any of the numbers above, you could try calling the CHP station nearest to the arrest and asking them. You can find local CHP stations here.
Note: Information often isn’t available in the first 2 hours after an arrest. Sometimes it takes even longer. Don’t panic. One way to help stay calm while you wait for information is to start educating yourself on the legal process. You can learn about the jail and arraignment process, how bail works, and how soon to get a lawyer.
What If It’s Been Longer?
Sometimes you don’t find out that a loved one has been arrested for a longer period of time than previously mentioned. In that case, it’s important not to give up hope. You can:
- Try the numbers above: It still may be worthwhile to call the numbers we listed earlier. Your loved one may still be with the police agency that originally booked them, especially in the first two days. Jail time can vary.
- Gather information: If a friend or relative saw the arrest, they may be able to tell you which agency was involved or the city/neighborhood where it happened. This information is helpful for tracking your loved one down.
- Be aware that they may come home: Most arraignments happen within 2 business days of arrest, but we have seen it take up to 3 days. After the arraignment, your loved one may be released on “O.R.” (without bail bond). In some cases, they may even walk in the door while you are still trying to locate them.
However, if bail is required, your loved one will be transferred to a new facility after their arraignment. They will be held there until they can pay bail or until their trial. Currently, all of these facilities are managed by the Sheriff’s Department, and you can still find your loved one online or by calling 213-473-6100.
A Note on Warrants
In your search for information about someone who was arrested in Los Angeles, it’s important to be aware of the significance of warrants in the legal process. A warrant is an official document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement to take a specific action, such as making an arrest or conducting a search.
Arrest Warrants
If someone has been arrested in Los Angeles, it’s possible that an active warrant for arrest was issued beforehand. Arrest warrants are typically issued when law enforcement has probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a crime and there is sufficient evidence to support an arrest. These warrants are issued by a judge or magistrate and provide authorization for law enforcement to apprehend the individual named in the warrant.
Search Warrants
In some cases, law enforcement may also obtain search warrants to conduct searches of specific locations, such as residences or vehicles, in connection with an investigation. Active warrants are issued by a judge or magistrate based on a showing of probable cause that evidence of a crime will be found in the location to be searched.
Talk to a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for Free Today
Your family needs a lawyer as soon as possible after the arrest. A DUI lawyer can help you find your loved one, get them out of a county jail, fight to keep their license, and potentially win their case. Let us get you a FREE consultation with an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer so you can learn more about the legal process.
Fill out the form or contact us today to get your free consultation. You need a lawful representative on your side, so don’t wait.
