Plumas County Civil Records

Civil court records for Plumas County are kept by the Superior Court of California, County of Plumas. The courthouse in Quincy serves the entire county. All civil cases are filed here including unlimited civil matters over $35,000, limited civil cases up to $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. Plumas County is a rural mountain county in the northern Sierra Nevada. The court maintains public access to civil records through in-person visits and mail requests. Electronic access is limited but the court provides records request services to the public.

Plumas County Courthouse

The Plumas County Superior Court is at 520 Main Street, Room 104, in Quincy, California 95971. This is the only courthouse in the county. The civil clerk's office is on the first floor. All civil filings are submitted here. The courthouse also handles criminal, family, and probate matters.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call ahead at (530) 283-6305 to confirm hours and department availability. The courthouse may have limited hours or closures during holidays and severe weather. Winter snowstorms can affect access to Quincy.

Quincy is a small mountain town about 80 miles north of Truckee and Lake Tahoe. The town sits at 3,400 feet elevation. Winter conditions can make travel difficult. Check road conditions before making the trip. Highway 70 is the main route to Quincy from the west.

When visiting the courthouse, bring valid photo ID for security screening. You can view public court files during business hours. The clerk can help locate files if you provide the case number or party names. Public access computers may be available to search case information.

Getting Civil Court Records

Plumas County Superior Court offers an online request form for court records on their website. You can also request records by mail, phone, or in person. Online case search portals are not available like in larger California counties.

To request records online or by mail, visit plumas.courts.ca.gov for the request form. Provide the case number if you have it. Without a case number, give the full names of all parties. List the specific documents you need. Include your contact information.

Copies cost $0.50 per page under California Government Code Section 70627. This is the standard fee across California courts. Certified copies cost an additional $40 for certification. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15 under Government Code Section 70674.

If the clerk must search for records without a case number and the search takes more than 10 minutes, a $15 research fee applies under Government Code Section 70627. Providing the case number helps speed the search and avoid this fee.

In-person visits often work best for rural counties. You can view files and get copies on the same day if staff is available. Bring cash, check, or money order for payment. Ask about accepted payment methods when you call ahead.

Note: California law allows you to photograph court records with your camera or phone when viewing files at the courthouse.

Filing a Civil Case

To file a civil case in Plumas County, prepare your complaint and required documents. Submit them to the civil clerk in Quincy. The clerk reviews the documents to ensure they meet filing requirements. You pay the filing fee when you file the complaint.

Filing fees match the California statewide schedule. Unlimited civil complaints over $35,000 cost $435 to file. The defendant pays $435 to file an answer. Limited civil cases between $10,000 and $35,000 cost $370 for the complaint. Smaller limited civil cases under $10,000 cost $225.

Small claims cases have lower fees. Claims up to $1,500 cost $30 to file. Claims between $1,500 and $5,000 cost $50. Claims between $5,000 and $10,000 cost $75. Small claims court lets people handle their own cases without hiring lawyers.

Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford court costs. Complete a fee waiver application with information about your income and expenses. The court reviews your finances and decides whether to grant the waiver. Approved waivers let you file without paying standard fees.

You can file documents by mail or in person. Mail filings should include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want copies back. The clerk processes mail filings and stamps them with the filing date.

Types of Civil Cases

Plumas County Superior Court hears all civil case types. Unlimited civil cases involve amounts over $35,000. These include business disputes, personal injury lawsuits, real estate litigation, and contract cases. Discovery procedures apply. Trials can last days depending on complexity.

Limited civil cases cover disputes up to $35,000. Common cases include breach of contract, property damage, debt collection, and landlord-tenant matters. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are limited civil matters. Procedures are simpler with restricted discovery. Trials are usually shorter.

Small claims court handles amounts up to $10,000. You represent yourself without lawyers. Both sides present evidence informally to the judge. Most cases are decided quickly, often the same day. Appeals from small claims go to the limited civil division.

The court also handles probate cases for estates of deceased persons. Guardianship and conservatorship cases protect minors and incapacitated adults. These special proceedings have their own rules and timelines.

Legal Help and Resources

The Plumas County Superior Court website at plumas.courts.ca.gov has court information including contact details, forms, and the records request form. Check the site for court hours and holiday closures.

California Courts Self-Help at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov provides free resources for people representing themselves. You can download forms and read guides for different case types. The guides explain procedures in plain language without legal jargon.

Legal aid may be available for low income residents. Legal Services of Northern California serves Plumas County. They provide free legal help in civil matters if you qualify. Contact them to see if they can assist your case.

The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service at calbar.ca.gov. Search for attorneys by location and practice area. Many lawyers offer reduced-fee initial consultations.

Because Plumas County is small and rural, some attorneys may be based in nearby counties. Any California-licensed attorney can represent clients in Plumas County.

Public Access to Records

Civil court records are generally public under California law. Government Code Section 68150 requires courts to provide reasonable access to records. You can view and copy most civil case files.

Some case types have restricted access. California Rules of Court Rule 2.503 limits remote electronic access to family law, guardianship, conservatorship, and mental health cases. Only registers of actions and calendars are available remotely. Full files must be viewed at the courthouse.

Unlawful detainer eviction cases have a 60-day confidentiality period under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161.2. Public access is limited for the first 60 days. Records become public after this period if the plaintiff wins at trial.

Sealed records require a court order. Only judges can seal records when required by law or necessary to protect significant privacy interests. Sealed documents are not available without court permission.

Nearby California Counties

Plumas County borders several other Northern California counties. Each has its own Superior Court.