Transport of criminals to Alta California

Hola a todos. My ancestor, Jose Augustin Narvaez was sent to Alta California (to the Branciforte colony) in 1797, apparently "as a juvenile delinquent picked up on the streets of Guadalajara". One source states: "Agustin NARVAEZ. 'Spanish' 'labrador' Born: Guadalajara, Aguas Calientes, Mexico Came: to Monterey, CA as prisoner. Given Choice of jail in Mexico or home in California...". Would there have been a court or other such record of this event or was this type of action too common to make note of? If the event was noted, where would it likely have been recorded? Thanks for any information on this topic.