Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
Crimes by Code
Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
California DUI
DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
Post Conviction
A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record.
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CLETS is an acronym for the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. This computer network gives police departments access to national databases maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), among others. The system also allows law enforcement agencies to deliver messages among one another.
CLETS information can only be accessed by authorized law enforcement and criminal justice personnel. Any information obtained from the system can be used for “official use” only.
In some situations, authorities misuse CLETS by searching for information for non-official, or personal, purposes. Cases of misuse are investigated by California’s Department of Justice and the Attorney General.
Instances of misuse can lead to:
Note that some California restraining orders are referred to as “CLETS orders.” CLETS orders are protective orders/restraining orders that have been entered into CLETS. This may include:
Our California criminal defense attorneys will answer the following common questions:
CLETS stands for the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System.
This is a computer network that provides law enforcement and criminal justice agencies with access to a variety of databases that contain such data as a person’s:
Authorities use such information to help enhance and provide for public safety.1
A police officer using the system can access the following databases:
This criminal justice information system also allows law enforcement agencies to send and receive messages between one another.
A police officer in the field can access CLETS information by using a mobile data terminal (MDT) in their police car.
Authorities can also access the system by using a CLETS computer terminal.
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) monitors the use of CLETS and instructs authorities on the use of the system via its CLETS Policies, Practices, and Procedures (“PPP”).
Only authorized law enforcement and criminal justice personnel, or their lawfully authorized designees, may use a CLETS terminal or access CLETS information.2
Any information obtained from the system is confidential and is for “official use” only. A person receiving CLETS information must have:
Personnel cannot operate CLETS equipment or access the system until they have:
Persons accessing CLETS must be trained on the system within six months of their employment or assignment.4
“CORI” stands for “Criminal Offender Record Information.” Authorities can obtain CORI information via CLETS.
Per Penal Code 11075, CORI are records and data compiled to help identify criminal offenders and to maintain a summary of a person’s:
CORI will also include a person’s social security information and date of birth.
An agency is only authorized to release CORI to a receiving party that has both:
According to Penal Code Sections 11120-11127, any person subject to a CORI query may obtain a copy of his/her criminal history record/background check to:
Note that CORI is not to be accessed for purposes of employment, licensing, certifications, or permits, or record review.
There are situations where law enforcement personnel in the State of California misuse CLETS or investigation procedures.
Examples of misuse of the system include:
Cases of CLETS misuse are investigated by the DOJ and California’s Attorney General.
The misuse of CLETS may result in:
A CLETS order is a name sometimes used to describe a California protective order/restraining order.
These orders are ones that have been entered into CLETS. Note that most restraining orders in California are CLETS orders. This is because the court orders are entered into the system so that law enforcement personnel can respond to and enforce the orders in any part of the state.
If an order was not entered into CLETS, it would be difficult for authorities to arrest a person suspected of violating an order.
Note that a restraining order is a court order that prevents a specific person from:
The party protected by the order is known as the “protected person.” The other party that is specified in the order (such as the abuser) is known as the “restrained person.”
For more in-depth information, refer to these scholarly articles:
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.