Media FAQs
Who may I contact regarding a media inquiry?
Contact the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Media Relations Division by email at media@da.lacounty.gov or by telephone at (213) 257-2000. Office hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.
How may I get a defendant’s booking photo?
Requests for booking photos should be made to the law enforcement agency that booked the defendant.
How may I find out if a defendant is in custody?
To search for a county jail inmate, visit the Inmate and Jail Information portion of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department website (http://lasd.org). Information for state prison inmates may be obtained from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (www.cdcr.ca.gov).
How may I request permission to record courtroom proceedings?
California law allows accredited news organizations to record trial court proceedings, if authorized by the judge. You may visit the California Courts website (www.courts.ca.gov/10018.htm) for the statewide rules and forms. For more information about local practices, visit the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s website (www.lacourt.org) or call the court Public Information Office at (213) 830-0815.
How may I find out if a person has a criminal record?
California law generally bars the District Attorney’s Office from releasing an individual’s criminal history. As a result, we cannot provide a person’s prior criminal record except when prior convictions are included in a new criminal complaint, information and indictment.
What role does your office play in officer-involved shootings?
When an officer-involved shooting occurs, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division conducts a parallel investigation with the law enforcement agency or agencies involved. We do not provide any information on the pending investigation until it is complete.
