San Francisco County Court Records
The California Rules of Court defines a "court record" as any paperwork or exhibit filed as part of a legal action or proceeding, any court order or judgment, and any item specified in Government Code § 68151(a). The term does not include reporter's transcripts for which reporters receive fees for copies or personal notes/preliminary memoranda made by judges or other judicial branch personnel. Also, records mandated by statute for reporting between or within government entities, judicial administrative records, court case information, and certain compilations of data derived from court records are not deemed court records.
Court records are considered part of San Francisco County Public Records and are vital to its judicial system. They contain information about court proceedings, judgments, and legal decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability within the judiciary. They are also crucial for preserving legal history and aiding the public in understanding the evolution of the law. The records also enable access to justice and facilitate legal research by allowing for the review of past cases.
The San Francisco County Superior Court administers justice for legal matters within the county's jurisdiction, and the court's clerk is responsible for maintaining and preserving court records in compliance with state laws and court rules.
Are Court Records Public in San Francisco County?
Yes, court records are publicly available in San Francisco County per the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Under the CPRA, government agencies, including courts, must allow public inspection and copying of records in their custody unless a specific exemption applies.
However, some court records are confidential. For instance, records from certain family law cases, juvenile proceedings, and records containing sensitive personal information may be protected from public disclosure to comply with federal and state laws.
What Do San Francisco County Court Records Contain?
San Francisco County court records typically include the following:
- Case documents, including motions, pleadings, and answers
- Case information, including plaintiff and defendant names
- Court orders and judgments
- Transcripts
- Docket entries
- Exhibit records
Where to Conduct a San Francisco County Case Lookup
Individuals who want to conduct a court case lookup in San Francisco County must contact the government office that maintains the associated records. Below are ways to search records in the superior court clerk's office:
- Visit the courthouse where the case was filed.
- Access the online portal provided by the clerk's office.
How to Conduct a San Francisco County Case Records Search
Here's how to conduct a San Francisco County case records search using the methods mentioned previously:
Online Court Portal
The San Francisco County Superior Court provides convenient access to case records via two online case information portals: Case Calendar and Case Query. With the former, users can look up case calendars published within the last 120 days by filing date, party name, or case number (only for criminal cases). Meanwhile, the latter (Case Query) retrieves civil case information when a user inputs a case number or last, first name combination in an appropriate search field. Generally, users can view case summaries, associated documents, court orders, hearing dates, and other case-related information for these portals.
An online search offers 24/7 accessibility. It also eliminates the need to visit or contact the superior court, except when a requester requires certified or official copies.
San Francisco County Superior Court Clerk's Office
For records not available on the superior court's case search portal (for instance, criminal case information), interested individuals can visit or contact the clerk's office during working hours. The staff at the clerk's office can help locate the relevant records, provided one has the necessary information to facilitate a search. For example, a case number. One may also request copies of case records for a small fee.
San Francisco County Civil Court Case Records
San Francisco County civil court case records contain information about civil legal matters within the county's jurisdiction. These records are essential for documenting civil disputes and resolutions that occurred in a courthouse.
Civil case records can be obtained from the San Francisco County Superior Court. Interested persons may visit the courthouse where a case was filed to request records from the clerk's office or use public access terminals to find case information. At the same time, one may mail a completed Civil Records Request Form to the clerk's office or relevant court department, or they may access online case lookup portals on the court's website, as explained earlier.
San Francisco County Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal court case records contain information about criminal proceedings. The records include charge information, pleas, court appearance dates, motions, exhibit lists, court orders, trial transcripts, and final verdicts.
Anyone interested in obtaining a criminal case record in San Francisco County may go to the superior courthouse where the case was filed. The clerk's office will be able to provide information on how to find court records in person, but visitors must come during working hours.
Criminal case records are not available online in San Francisco County. One can only search case calendars released by the court online.
How to Get Court Records Online for Free
The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, offers online public access to court records via the Case Query portal. Citizens can look up Unlimited/Limited Civil, Probate, Family Law, and Small Claims cases by case number or by case name. The database has case information from 1987 to present—and access is free.
Note that limitations apply regarding the depth of information available and the types of cases covered. Generally, sealed, confidential, or restricted court records are not publicly accessible online, whether for free or with payment.
Courts in San Francisco County, California
Several courts handle legal matters in San Francisco County, California. Below are their locations:
Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Hall of Justice
850 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Juvenile Justice Center
375 Woodside Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
Polk Street Annex
575 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact information for the courthouses and their various divisions is available on the superior court's website.
