Search California court records online. Access criminal cases, civil suits, small claims, family law, probate, and appellate decisions through official California court portals.
California court records are public documents created by state, county, and municipal courts. They include criminal cases, civil lawsuits, family court filings, probate matters, and appellate decisions. The highest court, the California Supreme Court, publishes opinions and dockets online. This directory links to all official California court record portals.
Access court case information through official California portals and county clerk offices.
Access Court websites vary by county to search statewide case records. You can typically search by party name, attorney, case number, or filing date. Criminal and civil cases are usually searchable without charge.
California courts include: Trial Courts (circuit, district, superior), Appellate Courts (Court of Appeals), and the California Supreme Court. For local matters — misdemeanors, traffic, small claims — search at the county or municipal court level.
For older records or certified copies, contact the county court clerk in the county where the case was filed. Fees for certified copies vary by county (~$1–$5 per page). Clerks can also confirm whether a case is sealed or restricted.
Federal cases (bankruptcy, federal criminal, civil rights) are available through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). PACER charges $0.10/page but the first $30/quarter is free for casual users.
Most California court case information is free to view online through the official court portal: Court websites vary by county. Certified copies of court documents typically cost $1–$5 per page when requested from the county clerk. Federal court records through PACER cost $0.10/page after the $30/quarter free threshold.
Public California court records include: criminal cases (felonies, misdemeanors), civil lawsuits, small claims, family court (divorce, custody, support), probate (wills, estates), traffic cases, and appellate decisions. Juvenile records, sealed cases, and domestic violence protective orders may be restricted.
Request certified copies in person, by mail, or through the court's online portal from the county court clerk where the case was filed. Provide the case number, parties' names, and the type of document needed. Fees typically range from $1–$10 per page plus certification fees. Processing time is usually 1–5 business days.