San Jose Court Records Search
Court records in San Jose are managed by the Santa Clara County Superior Court. San Jose is the county seat and the largest city in the county, home to about 1 million people. All civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases for San Jose residents go through the county court system. The main courthouse sits in downtown San Jose. You can search many case types online through the court's public portal, or visit in person to view files directly. This guide covers how to find, access, and get copies of court records for cases filed in San Jose.
San Jose Court Records Quick Facts
Where San Jose Court Cases Are Filed
San Jose sits in Santa Clara County, and the county superior court handles all cases. The Downtown Superior Court at 191 North First Street is the main courthouse. Most civil, family law, and probate cases file here. The Hall of Justice at 200 West Hedding Street handles criminal matters. Both buildings are in San Jose proper, which makes them easy to get to for city residents.
The court clerk's office at each location can help you pull case files. You need to know the case number or the names of the parties involved. Walk-in research is free. Staff can point you to the right window or terminal. If you are not sure which courthouse has your case, call the records division at (408) 882-2100. They can look up where a file is held.
Family law cases, including divorce and custody, file at the Downtown courthouse. Criminal arraignments start at the Hall of Justice. Small claims also go through the downtown location. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
| Main Civil Court | Downtown Superior Court 191 N. First Street San Jose, CA 95113 |
|---|---|
| Criminal Court | Hall of Justice 200 W. Hedding Street San Jose, CA 95110 |
| Records Phone | (408) 882-2100 |
Search San Jose Court Records Online
The Santa Clara County Superior Court runs a case information portal that covers civil, small claims, probate, some family cases, traffic, and criminal records. You can search by name or case number. The portal is free to use. It shows basic case data like parties, hearing dates, and the register of actions. Case documents themselves are not available for download through the portal, however.
The California Courts website also has a court finder tool that helps confirm which courthouse handles a specific area of San Jose.
This statewide tool can direct you to the right branch court if your case falls outside the main San Jose courthouses.
As of January 2026, California law (AB 1524) lets members of the public who view electronic court records at the courthouse use their own devices to photograph those records. That means you can bring a phone or camera to the courthouse and take pictures of what you find on the terminal. Before this change, you had to pay per page for copies. This applies to all non-confidential records viewable on court terminals in San Jose.
Court Record Fees in San Jose
San Jose court record fees follow the statewide schedule set by California law. Plain copies run $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00 per document. If you ask the clerk to search for a record and it takes more than 10 minutes, the search fee is $15.00. Divorce certificates are $15.00 each.
Comparing a copy against the original is $1.00 per page. Exemplification of a record, which adds extra authentication, costs $50.00. These fees apply whether you visit the Downtown courthouse or the Hall of Justice. Fee waivers are available if you meet income guidelines. You can file a request with the court, and a judge will decide whether to reduce or eliminate your fees for court records in San Jose.
Legal Help in San Jose
The Santa Clara County Superior Court has a self-help center at the Downtown courthouse. Staff there help people who do not have lawyers. They can assist with finding court records, filling out forms, and understanding the steps in a case. The service is free and open to everyone.
Bay Area Legal Aid serves San Jose and the surrounding area. Call (800) 551-5554 for intake. They handle civil cases including housing, public benefits, and family law for people with low income. The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley at (408) 280-2424 provides legal help on consumer, housing, and immigration issues. Both groups can help you understand court records tied to your case.
The California Courts Self-Help Center has online guides for every case type. These apply to San Jose cases just as they do statewide. For private lawyers, the Santa Clara County Bar Association runs a referral service.
Types of Records in San Jose Courts
The Santa Clara County Superior Court keeps records for all case types filed in San Jose. Civil records include lawsuits, contract disputes, and landlord-tenant matters. Criminal records cover felonies and misdemeanors. Family law records involve divorce, child custody, spousal support, and restraining orders. Probate records deal with wills, estates, and guardianships. Small claims handle disputes under a dollar limit set by state law.
Access depends on the type. Civil records are the most open and easiest to find online. Criminal case data shows up on the portal, but full documents require a courthouse visit. Family law and juvenile records have tighter rules. Under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, family law documents can only be viewed at a courthouse terminal. They are not available through remote online access.
- Civil unlimited cases are kept for 10 years
- Civil judgments in unlimited cases are kept permanently
- Felony records are kept for 75 years
- Family law records are kept for 30 years
- Small claims records are kept for 10 years
Sealed and confidential records need a court order to access. Juvenile records in San Jose are not available to the public at all.
Santa Clara County Court Records
San Jose is in Santa Clara County. The county superior court handles all case types across every city in the county. For more on the county court system, online portals, fee details, and courthouse locations, see the full Santa Clara County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are also in Santa Clara County or nearby counties. Court records for each go through their respective county court system.