Obtaining OLD/Expired Court Records in California

[pirateradio 0]

I need quickly to obtain court records that are over 20 years old in California.

I had 3 DUI's in the last 80's, and my petion came back asking for this evidence.

My DUI's were in San Diego, and a different county (Orange).

When I called the San Diego courthouse, they said that these were misdeameanors, and over 10 years old, and that they had NO records (purged).

I *think* my next step is to do the California DOJ Livescan (going today to submit this).

I *believe* from that I will get back my arrest / court records of any arrest/conviction in California?

Has anybody had to do this - do you know if this is all that is required for submission?

I don't understand how else I could obtain court records when they are telling me that they don't exist anymore?

FYI, DUI's were in late 80's, San Diego, Newport Beach, Santa Ana..

Appreciate any advice.

- STRESSED OUT!

Here is a post of my original issue:

Hello, newbie here - so I apologize on the basic level of my questions..

I submitted a K1 petition in May 2010, California resident, to the California Service Center.

On the applicaiton, I was truthful and marked yes to the criminal conviction question.

I had 3 DUI's in the late 80's, and NO convictions ever since.

I had tried to pull my records, but could not find anything on commercial criminal record searches for myself.

I explained that I could not find my records, the background of the DUI's, etc on the application.

I presumed that the next thing I would receive would be a Request for Evidence but was not sure as I thought that even though I could not find my records surely the Dept of Homeland Security would pull my records?

Anyway, yesterday i received a blue form stating I797E - Notice of Action "Return this blue processing coversheet on top of your reponse to the intent to deny" and have been given until August 19 to submit requested information. The white letter attached goes into "on part C#2" etc about the IMBRA act.

Is this processing flow normal? Wouldn't I of received a request for information, rather than an immediate Intent to Deny?

Am I correct in that my next step should be to immediately obtain certified copies of all court records pertaining to the aforementioned charges and attached those to some sort of reply? Is there a form that I reply with, or do I just make up a letter?

Are certified court records the same as arrest records?

I'm not sure where to get these - my DUI's were in San Diego and Orange County - there is no central place to obtain?

I apologize for all the questions - very confused - they certainly do not make it very clear on my next steps.

Final question - are 3 DUI's in the 80's and not even a traffic ticket since then a valid basis to deny K1's? My fiancee is well aware of what happened 20 years ago.. no violence involved. How worried should I be? Should i obtain legal representation?

Thank you..