Sacramento County Public Records /Sacramento County Court Records

Sacramento County Court Records

What Is Sacramento County Court Records

Sacramento County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial actions and decisions. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, liens, assessments)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Business records (licenses, permits, incorporations)

In Sacramento County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

Sacramento County Superior Court (main trial court)
Small Claims Division
Family Law Division
Probate Division
Juvenile Court
Traffic Division

These courts generate records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, juvenile matters, and traffic violations. Pursuant to California Government Code § 68150, court records are defined as "all filed papers and documents in any case, indexes, original entries in registers of actions, and dockets." The Sacramento County Superior Court maintains these records in accordance with state law and court rules.

Are Court Records Public In Sacramento County

Court records in Sacramento County are generally public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Constitution, Article I, § 3(b) establishes that "the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Most civil case files
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules
Court calendars

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. According to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, records may be sealed only if the court expressly finds facts that establish:

There exists an overriding interest overcoming the right of public access
The overriding interest supports sealing the record
A substantial probability exists that the overriding interest would be prejudiced if the record is not sealed
The proposed sealing is narrowly tailored
No less restrictive means exist to achieve the overriding interest

Records that are commonly restricted include:

Juvenile court records
Adoption proceedings
Mental health proceedings
Certain family law matters
Cases involving minors
Records sealed by court order

Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California (which includes Sacramento County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions.

How To Find Court Records in Sacramento County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Sacramento County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Sacramento County Superior Court provides multiple avenues for record retrieval under current procedures.

For in-person requests:

Visit the appropriate courthouse location based on case type
Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
Pay applicable search and copy fees
Wait for staff to retrieve records (same-day service may be available for some records)

Sacramento County Superior Court - Main Courthouse
720 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-5522
Sacramento County Superior Court

For written requests:

Download and complete the Records Request Form
Include case number, names of parties, and date range if known
Enclose payment for search and copy fees
Mail to the appropriate courthouse division
Allow 10-15 business days for processing

For certified copies of court records, requestors must:

Specify the need for certification on the request form
Pay additional certification fees ($25 per document at present)
Provide proper identification if requesting in person

Pursuant to California Government Code § 70627, fees are charged for searches and copies of court records. Currently, fees include $15 for record searches requiring more than 10 minutes and $0.50 per page for copies.

How To Look Up Court Records in Sacramento County Online?

Sacramento County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record types.

The primary online resources include:

Sacramento Superior Court Public Case Access System
- Available at Sacramento Court Public Portal
- Provides access to:
  - Civil case information
  - Criminal case information
  - Traffic citations
  - Small claims cases
- Search by case number, party name, or citation number
- View case summaries, party information, hearing dates, and document lists
- Note: Full document images are not available through this system
California Courts Self-Help Case Information
- Available through the California Courts Self-Help Portal
- Provides case lookup for multiple counties
- Offers information on case status and upcoming hearings
- Limited to basic case information
Criminal Case Information
- Dedicated portal for criminal cases at Sacramento Criminal Case Lookup
- Search by defendant name or case number
- View charges, hearing dates, and case status
- Does not include juvenile cases or sealed records

To conduct an online search:

Select the appropriate portal based on case type
Enter required search criteria (case number, name, date range)
Review search results to identify the correct case
Select the case to view available details
Note any restrictions on viewing certain documents

The California Judicial Council maintains standards for electronic access to court records under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.500-2.507, which governs what information courts may make available electronically.

How To Search Sacramento County Court Records for Free?

Sacramento County residents and other interested parties may access certain court records without payment of fees under specific circumstances. California law guarantees the right to inspect public judicial records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches.

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate courthouse during public counter hours
- Request to view specific case files
- No fee for viewing records on-site
- Self-service public terminals available at courthouse locations
- Limited to 30 minutes per session during busy periods
Free Online Resources
- Sacramento Superior Court Case Index - Free basic case information
- Sacramento County Court Calendars - Free access to hearing schedules
- Traffic Case Information - Free citation lookup
Public Law Libraries
- Sacramento County Public Law Library
  609 9th Street
  Sacramento, CA 95814
  (916) 874-6012
  Sacramento County Public Law Library
- Offers free access to public terminals for court record searches
- Staff available to assist with navigating systems
- No charge for basic research assistance

Pursuant to California Government Code § 68150(l), "Unless access is otherwise restricted by law, court records created, maintained, preserved, or reproduced under this section shall be made reasonably accessible to all members of the public for viewing and duplication as the paper records would have been accessible."

While inspection is free, copy fees still apply ($0.50 per page currently) for any documents printed or copied from court files.

What's Included in a Sacramento County Court Record?

Sacramento County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. The contents typically reflect the complete history and current status of legal matters before the court.

Civil case records generally include:

Complaint or petition initiating the case
Summons and proof of service
Answers or responses from defendants
Motions and supporting documents
Court orders and rulings
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of proceedings (if ordered)
Judgment or dismissal documents
Appeal notices and related filings

Criminal case records typically contain:

Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
Arraignment records
Bail and custody information
Motions filed by prosecution and defense
Evidence logs and exhibits
Court minutes of hearings
Plea agreements
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (may be confidential)
Appeal documents

Family law case files often include:

Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
Financial disclosure statements
Parenting plans
Domestic violence restraining orders
Child custody evaluations (may be confidential)
Court orders regarding custody, support, and property division
Judgment documents

Probate records generally contain:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate or conservatorship
Inventories of estate assets
Accountings
Objections to proceedings
Court orders and final distributions

Each case file also includes a register of actions (docket) that chronologically lists all proceedings and filings in the case, serving as an index to the complete record.

How Long Does Sacramento County Keep Court Records?

Sacramento County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Judicial Council of California under Government Code § 68152. These schedules vary by case type and document category.

Current retention periods include:

Civil Cases:

Unlimited civil cases (over $25,000): 10 years after final disposition
Limited civil cases ($25,000 or less): 5 years after final disposition
Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
Unlawful detainer (eviction) cases: 1 year if defendant prevails; 3 years if plaintiff prevails

Criminal Cases:

Felony cases with prison sentence: 75 years after final disposition
Other felony cases: 50 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
Infractions: 3 years after final disposition

Family Law:

Dissolution (divorce) records: Permanently maintained
Child custody and support orders: Until the child reaches age 28
Domestic violence restraining orders: Permanently maintained

Probate:

Decedent estates: Permanently maintained
Guardianships and conservatorships: Permanently maintained
Trust proceedings: Permanently maintained

Juvenile Records:

Dependency cases: Until subject reaches age 28
Delinquency cases (serious offenses): Until subject reaches age 38
Delinquency cases (minor offenses): Until subject reaches age 21

The California Trial Court Records Manual provides comprehensive guidance on records retention and destruction practices. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed unless ordered preserved by the court.

Historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention periods. Additionally, the court maintains a permanent microfilm or electronic archive of registers of actions (dockets) for all cases.

Types of Courts In Sacramento County

Sacramento County's judicial system consists of several courts organized within the unified California court system. Each court handles specific case types and maintains its own records.

Sacramento County Superior Court - Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse
720 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-5522
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sacramento County Superior Court

Sacramento County Superior Court - Family Relations Courthouse
3341 Power Inn Road
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 875-3400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Family Law Division

Sacramento County Superior Court - Carol Miller Justice Center
301 Bicentennial Circle
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 875-7800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Traffic and Small Claims Division

Sacramento County Superior Court - Juvenile Courthouse
9605 Kiefer Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95827
(916) 875-5200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Juvenile Court

U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California
Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse
501 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 930-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Eastern District of California

The court hierarchy in California proceeds from:

Superior Courts (trial courts in each county)
California Courts of Appeal (six appellate districts)
California Supreme Court (highest state court)

Sacramento County is within the Third Appellate District of the California Court of Appeal, which hears appeals from Superior Court decisions.

What Types of Cases Do Sacramento County Courts Hear?

Sacramento County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority. Each division of the Superior Court specializes in specific case types.

The Main Courthouse (Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse) handles:

General civil litigation (contract disputes, personal injury, property damage)
Complex civil litigation
Civil harassment restraining orders
Probate matters (wills, estates, trusts)
Conservatorships and guardianships
Civil appeals from limited jurisdiction cases
Writs and receivers
Name and gender change petitions

The Family Relations Courthouse adjudicates:

Divorce and legal separation proceedings
Child custody and visitation disputes
Child and spousal support matters
Domestic violence restraining orders
Paternity cases
Adoptions
Termination of parental rights

The Carol Miller Justice Center processes:

Small claims cases (disputes up to $10,000)
Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
Traffic infractions and misdemeanors
Non-traffic infractions

The Juvenile Courthouse handles:

Juvenile dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
Juvenile delinquency cases (crimes committed by minors)
Juvenile traffic matters

The U.S. District Court (federal court) adjudicates:

Federal criminal prosecutions
Civil cases under federal law
Civil rights violations
Bankruptcy proceedings
Patent and copyright cases
Cases between citizens of different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000

Each court maintains separate record-keeping systems appropriate to its case types, though all Superior Court divisions operate under the unified case management system of the Sacramento County Superior Court.

How To Find a Court Docket In Sacramento County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. Sacramento County offers several methods to access these important records.

To locate a court docket:

Online Docket Search
- Visit the Sacramento Superior Court Public Case Access System
- Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (case number or party name)
- View the register of actions showing all case events
- Note that some case types have restricted online access
In-Person Docket Review
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
- Request the register of actions for a specific case
- Provide case number or party names for search
- Review the docket on public access terminals
- Request printed copies if needed ($0.50 per page)
Court Calendar Information
- Access daily court calendars at Sacramento Court Calendars
- Search by date, department, or judicial officer
- View scheduled hearings and case information
- Note that calendars typically show only upcoming hearings, not complete case histories

For criminal cases specifically:

Use the Criminal Case Information Portal
Search by defendant name or case number
View charges, hearing dates, and disposition information

For federal cases in Sacramento:

Access the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
Registration and fees required ($0.10 per page viewed)
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
View complete docket sheets and document lists

Court dockets are updated regularly but may experience delays of 24-48 hours for recent filings to appear in the system.

Which Courts in Sacramento County Are Not Courts of Record?

In California's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court in which proceedings are documented by an official record-keeper, and these records can be used as evidence in subsequent legal proceedings. Pursuant to California Constitution, Article VI, Section 1, the courts of record in California include the Supreme Court, courts of appeal, and superior courts.

In Sacramento County, the following are not courts of record:

Small Claims Division of Superior Court
- While administratively part of the Superior Court, small claims proceedings are conducted informally
- No verbatim record (transcript) is made of the proceedings
- Parties represent themselves without attorneys
- Decisions can be appealed to the Superior Court for a new trial (trial de novo)
- The appeal is heard as a new proceeding rather than a review of the record
Administrative Hearings
- Various administrative bodies conduct hearings that are not courts of record:
  - Parking Citation Hearings
  - Administrative proceedings before county agencies
  - Certain licensing disciplinary hearings
- These proceedings may generate written decisions but not official court records
- Appeals from these decisions typically go to the Superior Court
Alternative Dispute Resolution Forums
- Mediation sessions
- Non-binding arbitration
- Settlement conferences
- These proceedings are typically confidential and not recorded
Traffic Arraignment Court
- Initial appearances for traffic infractions
- Proceedings are summary in nature
- No court reporter present to create verbatim transcript

All other courts in Sacramento County, including all divisions of the Superior Court handling criminal, general civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters, are courts of record. These courts maintain official records of all proceedings, and court reporters create verbatim transcripts of hearings when requested or required by law.

Lookup Court Records in Sacramento County

Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder

Online Index of Recorded Documents