Sacramento Court Records
Court records for Sacramento are managed by the Sacramento County Superior Court. Sacramento is the state capital with about 525,000 residents and serves as the county seat. The Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse is the main location for court services. Sacramento is one of the few California counties that has eliminated online search and document download fees. You can search civil, criminal, family, and other court records through the free Public Case Access System or at the courthouse.
Sacramento Court Records Quick Facts
Where Sacramento Court Records Are Filed
The Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse is at 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. This is the main courthouse for the city and county. Civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases are filed here. The Civil Records Unit phone is (916) 874-7186.
Sacramento is the county seat, so the courthouse is the hub for all county court activity. The city does not have a separate court system. Everything runs through the Sacramento County Superior Court. Multiple departments within the courthouse handle different case types.
For records requests, you can visit in person, use the online system, or send a written request by mail. The courthouse is open during normal business hours on weekdays. In-person research is straightforward. Bring a photo ID and ask the clerk to help you find the case you need.
| Main Courthouse | Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse 720 9th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 |
|---|---|
| Civil Records | (916) 874-7186 |
| Court System | Sacramento County Superior Court |
Search Sacramento Records Online
Sacramento has one of the better online search systems in California. The Public Case Access System (PCAS) lets you search by name, case number, or filing date. The court has discontinued all fees for online searches and document downloads. This is free.
The PCAS covers criminal cases from 1989 to the present. Civil, family law, and other case types are also in the system. You can pull up the register of actions, case summaries, and hearing dates. For civil cases, you may be able to view and download filed documents at no cost.
The Sacramento Public Case Access System is the main search tool for Sacramento court records.
The Sacramento city website provides links to local services and government resources that complement the court system.
Remote access limits still apply to certain case types. Criminal and family law documents are restricted under California Rule of Court 2.503. The PCAS shows case index data and the register of actions for these types, but not full documents. You need to view those at a courthouse terminal. Civil records have the fewest restrictions for Sacramento court records online.
Court Records Fees in Sacramento
Sacramento stands out because online searches and document downloads are free. The court discontinued those fees. This makes Sacramento one of the most accessible court systems in the state for online research.
In-person fees follow the statewide schedule. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. Search fees are $15.00 when the clerk works more than 10 minutes. Exemplification is $50.00. Certified dissolution judgments are $15.00.
Fee waivers are also available for people with low income. Fill out the fee waiver form and submit it to the court. A judge reviews your situation and may waive part or all of the costs for accessing Sacramento court records.
Legal Help for Sacramento Residents
Legal Services of Northern California at (916) 551-2150 provides free legal services in Sacramento. They handle housing, family law, and public benefits cases. If you need help with court records or filing documents, contact them to see if you qualify.
The Sacramento courthouse has a self-help center. Staff help with forms, filing procedures, and finding records. It is free for everyone. The California Courts Self-Help Center online also has guides that apply to all case types in Sacramento.
The Sacramento County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. For a small fee, you get an initial consultation with a local attorney. This is useful if you need legal advice about a case or help understanding what Sacramento court records show. The LawHelpCA website is another statewide resource that connects people with legal aid organizations.
Types of Court Records in Sacramento
Sacramento County keeps records for all standard case types. Civil records cover lawsuits, evictions, debt cases, and contract disputes. Criminal records include felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law files hold divorce, custody, and support orders. Probate records deal with wills and estates. Small claims and traffic cases round out the list.
The PCAS has criminal records going back to 1989. Civil records may go back further depending on the case type. Access levels vary. Civil is the most open. Criminal and family law have restrictions.
- Civil unlimited: kept 10 years
- Civil judgments: kept permanently
- Felony: kept 75 years
- Family law: kept 30 years
- Adoption and parentage: kept permanently
- Small claims: kept 10 years
Government Code Section 68152 controls these retention periods. After they expire, the court may purge the records. If you need old Sacramento court records, make the request while the files are still on hand.
Sacramento County Court Records
Sacramento is the county seat of Sacramento County. All court cases go through the Sacramento County Superior Court. For full details on the county system, the Public Case Access System, and other resources, visit the Sacramento County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Sacramento and use the same or neighboring county court systems.