Access Elk Grove Court Records
Court records for Elk Grove are managed by the Sacramento County Superior Court. Elk Grove has about 176,000 residents and sits south of the city of Sacramento. All civil, criminal, family law, and small claims cases go through the county court system. The main courthouse is in downtown Sacramento. Sacramento County stands out for offering free online case searches and document downloads through its Public Case Access System, making it one of the easiest counties for finding court records remotely.
Elk Grove Court Records Quick Facts
Where Elk Grove Cases Are Filed
Elk Grove is in Sacramento County. The Sacramento County Superior Court handles all court cases for the city. The Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse at 720 9th Street in Sacramento is the main facility. Most civil, criminal, family law, and probate cases file there. Elk Grove does not have its own courthouse, so residents travel to the Sacramento facilities.
The drive from Elk Grove to downtown Sacramento takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The courthouse is near the State Capitol building. The Civil Records Unit can be reached at (916) 874-7186. All case types from Elk Grove go through this system, including traffic cases, small claims, and everything else the court handles.
| Main Courthouse | Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse 720 9th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 |
|---|---|
| Civil Records | (916) 874-7186 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Search Elk Grove Court Records Online
Sacramento County has one of the best online court record systems in the state. The Public Case Access System (PCAS) lets you search for cases by name, case number, or filing date. The system is free to use. Sacramento Superior Court has dropped all fees for online searches and document downloads. This is a big advantage over other counties where you pay per search.
The PCAS covers criminal cases from 1989 to the present. Civil and other case types also go back several decades. You can view case status, hearing dates, and the register of actions. Document downloads are available for many case types. This makes it possible to access a lot of Elk Grove court record data without leaving home.
The Sacramento County Public Case Access System shown above is the free online tool for searching court records from Elk Grove and all other cities in the county.
Even with free online access, some case types have restrictions. Under California Rule 2.503, family law and criminal case documents can only be fully viewed at the courthouse. The online system shows indexes and calendars for those categories. Civil records have the broadest remote access.
Note: In-person record searches at the courthouse are also free. Fees only apply if you want physical copies.
Fees for Elk Grove Court Records
Online searches and document downloads are free in Sacramento County. That is unusual. Most counties charge for this. If you want physical copies at the courthouse, the statewide fees apply: $0.50 per page for plain copies, $40.00 for certified copies, and $15.00 for clerk searches over 10 minutes. Exemplification costs $50.00.
Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals who cannot afford even the physical copy costs. File a waiver request and a judge reviews your finances. If approved, copy fees and other court costs get waived for your Elk Grove case.
Legal Resources for Elk Grove
The Sacramento County Superior Court has a self-help center at the main courthouse. Staff help with forms, finding records, and explaining court procedures. The service is free. No attorney needed.
Legal Services of Northern California provides free legal assistance for low-income Sacramento County residents. Call (916) 551-2150 to check if you qualify. They cover housing, family law, and public benefits cases. The California Courts Self-Help Center has online guides for all case types. The Sacramento County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral program for those who need a private attorney near Elk Grove.
Types of Elk Grove Court Records
Sacramento County keeps records for all case types filed in its system. Civil records cover lawsuits, evictions, and contract disputes. Criminal records include felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law has divorce, custody, and support orders. Probate handles wills, estates, and guardianships. Small claims and traffic each have their own files.
Most records are public. Juvenile records are confidential. Mental health proceedings are private. Sealed cases need a court order. California retention rules apply: 10 years for civil, 30 for family law, 75 for felony. Adoption and name change records are permanent.
- Civil cases: 10-year retention
- Family law: 30 years
- Felony: 75 years
- Criminal data online: from 1989 onward
- Adoption: permanent
Sacramento County Court Records
Elk Grove is in Sacramento County. All court filings for the city go through the Sacramento County Superior Court. The county offers free online searches, which sets it apart from most other California counties. For full details on the county court system, search tools, fees, and resources, visit the Sacramento County court records page.
Nearby Cities
Sacramento is the other major city in the county. Nearby cities in other counties are also listed.