Search Alpine County Court Records
Alpine County court records are managed by the Superior Court of California, County of Alpine. This is the smallest county by population in the state, with roughly 1,200 residents. The court sits in Markleeville and handles all case types for the area. Because of its small size, Alpine County does not have an online case search portal. All record requests go through the court clerk. This page explains how to access court records in Alpine County, what it costs, and where to go.
Alpine County Court Records Quick Facts
Alpine County Court Records Search
Alpine County does not have an online portal for court record searches. This sets it apart from larger counties that run their own digital case lookup tools. All search requests and copying are handled by court staff at the Markleeville courthouse. You need to call or write to the clerk to request a records search.
The Alpine County Superior Court website has basic information about the court, but it does not include a searchable case database. If you want to check on a case, you must contact the clerk directly.
The screenshot above shows the Alpine County court homepage, which lists contact details and general court information.
For statewide case lookups, the California Appellate Courts Case Information System covers appeals that may have originated from Alpine County. The California DOJ Record Review handles personal criminal history requests statewide, including records from Alpine County.
Visiting the Alpine County Courthouse
The only courthouse in Alpine County is in Markleeville. It sits on State Route 89. The court is small and handles a low volume of cases. Walk-in visits work, but calling ahead is a good idea since hours can be limited. Staff can pull case files for you to review on site at no charge.
The courthouse does not have a public access terminal for digital records. Everything runs through the clerk. You give them the case name or number, and they do the lookup. This is different from bigger courts where you can sit at a computer and search on your own.
| Courthouse | Alpine County Superior Court 14777 State Route 89 P.O. Box 518 Markleeville, CA 96120 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (530) 694-2113 |
| Fax | (530) 694-2119 |
Note: Alpine County is remote and at high elevation, so winter weather can affect courthouse access and hours.
Court Record Fees in Alpine County
Alpine County follows the statewide fee schedule for court records set by California Government Code. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies run $40.00 per document. If the clerk needs more than 10 minutes to search for a record, the search fee is $15.00. Exemplification costs $50.00.
A certified copy of a dissolution judgment is $15.00. These fees apply whether you visit in person or request records by mail. Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income. You fill out a form, and a judge reviews it.
Since all searches are done by staff, you should expect the $15.00 search fee to apply in most cases for Alpine County court records. Viewing records on site is free, but copies always have a cost.
Types of Alpine County Court Records
Even though Alpine County is small, the Superior Court handles the full range of case types. Civil cases, criminal matters, family law, probate, and small claims all go through this one courthouse. The volume is low compared to urban counties, but the same rules for public access apply.
Civil records are the most open. Criminal and family law records have restrictions on remote access under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503. Since Alpine County does not offer remote digital access anyway, all record types are handled the same way: through the clerk at the courthouse. Juvenile records remain confidential statewide, and that applies here too.
- Civil and small claims cases
- Criminal felonies and misdemeanors
- Family law, divorce, custody
- Probate and estate matters
- Traffic infractions
Retention periods follow state law. Civil cases stay on file for 10 years. Felony records are kept for 75 years. Family law records last 30 years.
Legal Help for Alpine County
Alpine County does not have its own legal aid office. But statewide resources cover this area. Legal Services of Northern California serves rural counties including Alpine. Call (916) 551-2150 to see if you qualify for free help. California Rural Legal Assistance is another option for rural areas. Reach them at (800) 337-0690.
The California Courts Self-Help Center has forms, guides, and information that apply to all 58 counties. This is useful if you are trying to navigate Alpine County court records on your own without a lawyer. The court clerk in Markleeville can also point you to local resources.
Note: The self-help center does not give legal advice, but it can help you understand the process for finding and requesting court records.
Cities in Alpine County
Alpine County has no incorporated cities. The county seat is Markleeville, which is an unincorporated community. Other small communities include Bear Valley, Kirkwood, and Woodfords. All court matters in Alpine County go through the single courthouse in Markleeville. There are no cities in this county that meet the population threshold for a separate page.
Nearby Counties
Alpine County sits in the Sierra Nevada mountains. These neighboring counties each have their own court system and records.