Search Santa Rosa Court Records
Court records in Santa Rosa are handled by the Sonoma County Superior Court. Santa Rosa is the county seat with roughly 178,000 residents. The main courthouse is located in the city, making it convenient for local residents to access case files. All civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases file at the county level. You can look up many records through the court's online tools or visit in person. This page walks through how to search, access, and get copies of court records in Santa Rosa.
Santa Rosa Court Records Quick Facts
Where Santa Rosa Court Cases Go
All court cases in Santa Rosa file at the Sonoma County Superior Court. The main courthouse sits in downtown Santa Rosa. Civil and family law cases, criminal arraignments, and traffic cases all go through this building. Probate and small claims are handled here too.
The Sonoma County Records Department manages the physical and digital files. You can visit the records office during business hours to search for and view case records at no charge. The Sonoma County records page has contact details and instructions for requesting copies by mail.
If you need records from a case that went to trial, the records staff can pull the file for you. Bring a case number if you have one. Name searches work too, but they take longer.
| Main Courthouse | Sonoma County Superior Court 600 Administration Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Search Santa Rosa Records Online
The Sonoma County Superior Court provides online access to case information. The court uses a public portal system where you can search by name or case number. This covers civil, criminal, family, and other case types. Basic case data appears in the results, but full document access may require an in-person visit.
Appellate opinions from cases originating in Santa Rosa can be found through the California Appellate Courts Case Information System. Sonoma County falls under the First Appellate District.
Under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, family law and criminal documents have restricted remote access. You can see indexes and calendars online, but the full case files for those types need a courthouse visit. Civil records generally have fewer restrictions. The court updates its online portal regularly, though new filings may take a short time to show up.
AB 1524, effective January 2026, lets you use your own phone or camera to photograph electronic records at the courthouse terminal. This is helpful if you want copies but do not want to pay per page.
Court Record Fees in Santa Rosa
Fees at the Sonoma County Superior Court follow the statewide schedule. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 each. A clerk search taking more than 10 minutes costs $15.00. Divorce judgment copies cost $15.00.
Viewing records at the courthouse is free. You only pay when you need paper or certified copies. Fee waivers are available for people with low income. The clerk's office has the forms.
Legal Help in Santa Rosa
The Sonoma County Superior Court has a self-help center at the main courthouse. It is free and open to everyone. Staff help with forms, record searches, and understanding court steps.
Legal Services of Northern California serves the Santa Rosa area. Call (916) 551-2150 for intake. They handle housing, public benefits, and family law for low-income residents. Bay Area Legal Aid at (800) 551-5554 also covers parts of the region.
The California Courts Self-Help Center has online guides for all case types. These statewide resources apply to cases in Santa Rosa. The Sonoma County Bar Association can refer you to a private attorney if you need one.
Types of Records in Santa Rosa
The Sonoma County Superior Court maintains records for all case types in Santa Rosa. Civil records cover lawsuits, landlord-tenant disputes, and contract matters. Criminal records include felonies and misdemeanors. Family law deals with divorce, custody, and support. Probate covers wills and estates. Small claims handle smaller dollar disputes.
Access depends on the case type. Civil records are the most open. Criminal data shows limited info through online tools. Family law and juvenile records are restricted. Juvenile records are fully confidential under California law.
- Civil unlimited cases are kept 10 years
- Felony records are kept 75 years
- Family law records are kept 30 years
- Civil judgments in unlimited cases are permanent
If you need a record from a sealed case, you must petition the court for access. The clerk can tell you whether a case is open or sealed.
Sonoma County Court Records
Santa Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County. For full details on the county court system, all locations, and additional resources, see the county page.
Nearby Cities
Cities near Santa Rosa with court records pages.