San Joaquin County Court Records
What Is San Joaquin County Court Records
San Joaquin County court records comprise the official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records include a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the judicial process from initiation through resolution. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, court records encompass case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as:
- Property records (deeds, liens, assessments)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Business licenses and permits
- County administrative records
In San Joaquin County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin
- Family Law Division
- Probate Division
- Juvenile Court
- Small Claims Division
- Traffic Division
As defined under California Government Code § 68151, court records include documentation from civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The San Joaquin County Superior Court serves as the primary repository for these judicial documents, maintaining records in accordance with state retention requirements.
Are Court Records Public In San Joaquin County
Court records in San Joaquin County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), further establishes the public's right to access information concerning the conduct of government business.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. According to the Judicial Branch of California, restricted records may include:
- Juvenile court records
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family law matters
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Documents containing confidential personal identifiers
Access to federal court records differs from state court records, with federal cases accessible through the PACER system. The California Rules of Court, specifically Rule 2.550, governs the sealing of records in state courts and establishes the presumption that court records are open to public inspection unless confidentiality is required by law.
How To Find Court Records in San Joaquin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in San Joaquin County may utilize several methods to locate and access judicial documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse division where the case was filed
- Complete a Records Request Form available at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for record identification
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
- Allow processing time for record retrieval
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form
- Include case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for copy fees (check or money order)
- Mail to the appropriate courthouse division:
Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin
222 E. Weber Avenue
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 992-5555
San Joaquin County Superior Court
Electronic Requests:
- Access the court's online records request portal
- Create or log in to user account
- Complete the electronic request form
- Provide required case information
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Receive notification when records are available
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this requirement on the request form and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to California Government Code § 70627, certified copies currently cost $25.00 per document plus copy fees.
How To Look Up Court Records in San Joaquin County Online?
San Joaquin County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. The following online resources are available for public use:
Case Management Search System: The Case Management Search portal allows users to access:
- Civil case information
- Criminal case records
- Family law case status
- Probate proceedings
- Small claims matters
To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the official portal
- Select the case type from the dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review search results
- Access available document images (where applicable)
- Note that certain documents may require in-person viewing
Party Name Search: The Search Case By Party function enables users to locate cases by:
- Individual or business name
- Attorney name
- Case type filter options
- Date range parameters
Court Calendar Search:
- Access the court's online calendar system
- Select courthouse location
- Choose department or judicial officer
- Select date range
- View scheduled hearings and proceedings
California Courts Self-Help Portal: The California Courts website provides additional resources for accessing court information statewide, including:
- Case information lookup tools
- Forms and filing instructions
- Self-help resources
- Links to county-specific court websites
Users should note that online access may be limited for certain case types, and some documents may only be available for in-person inspection due to confidentiality requirements or technical limitations.
How To Search San Joaquin County Court Records for Free?
San Joaquin County provides several no-cost options for accessing court records, in accordance with California Government Code § 68150, which establishes the public's right to inspect judicial records. The following free resources are available:
Public Access Terminals:
- Located in courthouse lobbies and law libraries
- Provide free access to case information databases
- Available during regular business hours
- No appointment necessary
- Staff assistance may be available for basic search guidance
Free Online Case Index: The San Joaquin County Superior Court maintains a free case index search that provides:
- Basic case information (case number, filing date, parties)
- Case type and status
- Upcoming hearing dates
- Judge assignment
- Register of actions (docket entries)
Law Library Resources: The San Joaquin County Law Library offers:
- Free public access to legal research databases
- Assistance from law librarians
- Access to court forms and self-help materials
- Computer terminals for online record searches
San Joaquin County Law Library
20 N. Sutter Street, Suite 240
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 468-3920
San Joaquin County Law Library
While basic case information is available at no cost, fees apply for document copies, certified records, and extensive searches requiring staff assistance. Pursuant to California Government Code § 70627, standard copy fees are $0.50 per page, with additional charges for certification.
The California Judicial Branch also provides free statewide resources for locating court information, including self-help guides and courthouse directories.
What's Included in a San Joaquin County Court Record?
San Joaquin County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and responsive pleadings
- Motions and supporting documents
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Judgment documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Register of actions (chronological case history)
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (information, indictment, complaint)
- Arraignment records
- Bail and custody information
- Motions and responses
- Evidence logs
- Court minutes
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Plea agreements
- Appeal documentation
Family Law Records:
- Petitions for divorce/dissolution
- Child custody and support orders
- Marital settlement agreements
- Financial disclosure statements (may be restricted)
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Paternity determinations
- Adoption proceedings (typically confidential)
- Guardianship documents
Probate Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary/administration
- Inventories and appraisals
- Creditor claims
- Accounting reports
- Distribution orders
- Conservatorship/guardianship documents
Small Claims Records:
- Plaintiff's claim form
- Proof of service
- Defendant's response
- Judgment documents
- Satisfaction of judgment filings
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
As specified in California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minors.
How Long Does San Joaquin County Keep Court Records?
San Joaquin County adheres to the California Judicial Council's Records Retention and Destruction Schedule as mandated by Government Code § 68152. The retention periods vary by case type and document classification:
Criminal Records:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 75 years from filing date
- Misdemeanor cases: 5-10 years depending on offense type
- Infractions: 3 years after case disposition
Civil Records:
- Unlimited civil cases (over $25,000): 10 years after final disposition
- Limited civil cases ($25,000 or less): 5 years after final disposition
- Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
- Unlawful detainer cases: 1 year if judgment for plaintiff; 3 years if judgment for defendant
Family Law Records:
- Dissolution/divorce cases: Permanent retention for judgment and custody orders
- Support enforcement: Until youngest child reaches age 23
- Domestic violence restraining orders: Permanent retention
- Other family law matters: 30 years
Probate Records:
- Decedent estates: Permanent retention
- Guardianships/conservatorships: Permanent retention
- Trust proceedings: 10 years after case closure
Juvenile Records:
- Dependency cases: Until subject reaches age 28
- Delinquency cases (serious offenses): Until subject reaches age 38
- Delinquency cases (minor offenses): Until subject reaches age 21
The California Judicial Council periodically reviews and updates these retention schedules. After the prescribed retention period, records may be destroyed or archived according to established procedures. Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention periods.
Types of Courts In San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County's judicial system consists of various courts organized within the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin. The following courts operate within the county:
Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin - Main Courthouse
222 E. Weber Avenue
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 992-5555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
San Joaquin County Superior Court
Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin - Juvenile Justice Center
535 W. Mathews Road
French Camp, CA 95231
(209) 992-5555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
San Joaquin County Superior Court
Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin - Branch Court
315 W. Elm Street
Lodi, CA 95240
(209) 992-5555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
San Joaquin County Superior Court
Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin - Branch Court
475 W. Yokuts Avenue
Tracy, CA 95376
(209) 992-5555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
San Joaquin County Superior Court
The California court system follows a hierarchical structure:
- Superior Courts (trial courts at county level)
- California Courts of Appeal (six appellate districts)
- California Supreme Court (highest state court)
San Joaquin County falls within the jurisdiction of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, which hears appeals from Superior Court decisions. The California Supreme Court serves as the final authority on state law matters.
What Types of Cases Do San Joaquin County Courts Hear?
The Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin adjudicates a wide range of legal matters across various divisions. Each division handles specific case types as follows:
Civil Division:
- Unlimited civil cases (claims exceeding $25,000)
- Limited civil cases (claims of $25,000 or less)
- Small claims cases (claims up to $10,000)
- Civil harassment restraining orders
- Name change petitions
- Elder abuse cases
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
- Civil appeals from small claims judgments
Criminal Division:
- Felony cases (preliminary hearings and trials)
- Misdemeanor cases
- Infractions (traffic and non-traffic)
- Criminal appeals from lower courts
- Bail hearings
- Probation violation proceedings
- Mental health competency hearings
- Criminal protective orders
Family Law Division:
- Divorce/dissolution of marriage
- Legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Paternity establishment
- Adoption proceedings
- Guardianship of minors
- Termination of parental rights
Probate Division:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests
- Trust proceedings
- Conservatorships (adults)
- Guardianships (estates)
- Elder care matters
- Mental health conservatorships
Juvenile Division:
- Dependency cases (child abuse/neglect)
- Delinquency cases (juvenile offenses)
- Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations)
- Emancipation petitions
- Juvenile traffic matters
Traffic Division:
- Traffic infractions
- Traffic misdemeanors
- License suspension hearings
- Red light camera violations
- Parking citation appeals
As established by the California Constitution, Article VI, Superior Courts have original jurisdiction over all cases except those assigned by statute to other courts or administrative agencies.
How To Find a Court Docket In San Joaquin County
Court dockets in San Joaquin County provide chronological summaries of all filings, appearances, and judicial actions in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Search:
- Visit the Case Management Search portal
- Enter case number or party name
- Select case type from available options
- Review register of actions (docket entries)
- Note that document images may not be available for all entries
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case number or party information
- Request to view the register of actions
- Clerk will provide access to physical or electronic docket
Daily Court Calendars:
- Access the court's website for daily hearing schedules
- Visit the courthouse to view posted calendars
- Calendars typically display case numbers, parties, hearing types, and assigned courtrooms
- Organized by department and judicial officer
Case Notification Services:
- Register for electronic case notifications
- Receive updates when new entries are added to the docket
- Service may require subscription fees
- Available for attorneys and registered parties
For specialized docket information, such as probate notes or tentative rulings, users should consult the specific department's section on the court website. According to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, electronic access to court calendars, registers of actions, and indexes must be provided to the extent feasible.
Which Courts in San Joaquin County Are Not Courts of Record?
In San Joaquin County, as throughout California, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" has been largely eliminated following court unification. Pursuant to California Constitution Article VI, Section 1, the judicial power of the state is vested in the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and Superior Courts, all of which are courts of record.
A "court of record" is defined as a court that is required to keep a record of its proceedings, and whose acts and judicial proceedings are enrolled for permanent record and proof. These records carry a presumption of regularity and cannot be collaterally attacked except in limited circumstances.
Prior to court unification in 1998, the following were considered courts not of record in California:
- Municipal Courts
- Justice Courts
- Small Claims Courts (as divisions of other courts)
Currently in San Joaquin County:
-
Small Claims Division (operates as part of Superior Court)
- While proceedings are less formal
- Records are maintained by the Superior Court
- Limited appeal rights exist
- No attorneys are permitted to represent parties
-
Traffic Infractions (handled by Superior Court)
- Proceedings are summary in nature
- Records are maintained by the Superior Court
- Appeals are permitted under specific circumstances
Under California Government Code § 69503, all Superior Courts are courts of record, meaning all judicial proceedings in San Joaquin County, regardless of case type or division, are officially recorded and maintained according to state retention requirements.