Search Sacramento County Civil Records

Civil court records in Sacramento County are kept by the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento. The court handles all civil litigation filed within the county, including unlimited civil cases over $35,000, limited civil disputes between $10,000 and $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. Public cases and documents filed after November 13, 2007 can be viewed through the Public Portal at no charge. The court has discontinued all fees for online searches and document downloads, making Sacramento one of the few California counties with free online access to civil court records.

Free Online Case Search

Sacramento Superior Court offers free access to civil case records through its Public Portal. You don't pay anything to search for cases or download documents. This is different from most California counties that charge fees for online access. The portal is available at prod-portal-sacramento-ca.journaltech.com.

The system includes public cases and documents filed after November 13, 2007. Older cases are not available digitally. If you need records from before that date, you must view the physical case file. All physical civil files are kept at an off-site retention facility. It takes about 10 business days to deliver an old file to the main courthouse. You have to wait for the file to arrive before you can see it.

The portal updates regularly with new filings and court activities. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Search results show the register of actions, which lists all documents filed and hearings held in the case. You can click on individual documents to view or download them in PDF format.

Sacramento Superior Court

The main courthouse is at 720 9th Street in Sacramento, California 95814. Most civil cases are filed at this location. The Civil Records Unit handles requests for copies and information about civil cases. You can call the Civil Records Unit at (916) 874-7186. They answer questions about civil records and help you find case files.

The court is open on weekdays during business hours. Bring a photo ID if you visit in person. Security staff check IDs at the entrance. The clerk's office on the first floor helps people with filing and records requests. Self-help services are available for people representing themselves in civil cases.

Sacramento County has other court locations for different types of cases. Criminal cases are handled at separate facilities. Family law cases have their own department. Traffic cases go to traffic court. The main civil division at 720 9th Street focuses on civil litigation.

Getting Copies of Court Documents

You can get copies of civil court records in Sacramento County through several methods. The free online portal is the easiest way. Search for the case, find the documents you need, and download them. You don't pay anything for online access.

For older records not available online, you need to request the physical file. Cases filed before November 13, 2007 are kept off-site. Submit a written request to the Civil Records Unit. Include the case number or the names of the parties. The court will order the file from storage. It takes about 10 business days for delivery. Once the file arrives, you can view it at the courthouse or request copies.

Written requests sent to the Records Unit take about 4 to 6 weeks to complete. The court charges fees for copies, certifications, and research. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certification costs $40.00 per document. If the court has to search for records without a case number, they charge $15.00 for searching that takes longer than 10 minutes. Exemplification of records costs $50.00 plus the per-page copy fee.

You can submit requests by mail. Send your request to Sacramento Superior Court, 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Include your name, contact information, case number, and what documents you want. Mail a check for the estimated costs. The court will process your request and send the copies to you.

Note: Fee waivers may be available for low-income individuals who cannot afford copy and certification fees.

Types of Civil Cases

Sacramento Superior Court handles unlimited civil cases involving amounts over $35,000. These cases include personal injury lawsuits, business disputes, construction defects, professional malpractice, and real estate litigation. Unlimited civil cases follow formal procedures with extensive discovery. Trials can take days or weeks. Many cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation.

Limited civil cases cover disputes between $10,000 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include contract disputes, property damage claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, and debt collection actions. Unlawful detainer eviction cases fall under limited civil jurisdiction. Limited civil procedures are simpler than unlimited civil. Discovery is restricted to reduce costs and speed up resolution. Most limited civil cases resolve within a year.

Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses. People file small claims for unpaid debts, security deposits, minor accidents, and consumer disputes. You represent yourself in small claims court. Lawyers are not allowed except in appeals. Both sides present evidence to the judge. The judge makes a decision the same day in most cases. Small claims provides a fast, low-cost way to resolve everyday disputes.

Filing a Civil Case

To file a civil case in Sacramento County, you prepare a complaint that explains your claim. The complaint must include the names of all parties, the facts of the dispute, and what you want the court to do. You file the complaint with the court clerk. Bring the original plus copies for all defendants. The clerk reviews your paperwork and collects the filing fee.

Filing fees are set by state law. Unlimited civil complaints cost $435.00. Limited civil complaints for amounts over $10,000 up to $35,000 cost $370.00. Complaints for amounts under $10,000 cost $225.00. Small claims fees are lower and vary based on the amount claimed. If you can't afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver. Fill out the fee waiver form and submit it with your case.

After filing, you must serve the defendants with a copy of the complaint and summons. Service must be done by someone over 18 who is not a party to the case. You can hire a process server or ask a friend to serve the papers. The server gives the defendant the documents and fills out a proof of service form. You file the proof of service with the court to show you served the defendant correctly.

The defendant has 30 days to respond after being served. If they don't respond, you can ask for a default judgment. If they file an answer, the case moves forward with discovery and eventually a trial or settlement. The court clerk provides basic procedural information but cannot give legal advice.

Online Services and Help

Sacramento Superior Court provides various online services beyond case search. You can access court calendars, tentative rulings, and local rules on the court website at saccourt.ca.gov. The online services page at saccourt.ca.gov/indexes/online-services.aspx lists all available digital tools.

The court offers self-help services for people without lawyers. Self-help staff can explain procedures and help you fill out forms. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what to say in court. Self-help services are free. You can visit the self-help center in person or call for assistance.

Electronic filing is available for civil cases. Attorneys are required to file electronically in most instances. Self-represented parties can choose to file on paper or electronically. E-filing providers charge a fee for their services in addition to court filing fees. The court website has information about approved e-filing providers.

Major Cities in Sacramento County

Sacramento County includes the state capital and several other cities. All civil cases from these cities are filed in Sacramento Superior Court.

Nearby California Counties

Sacramento County is surrounded by several counties in Northern California. Each maintains its own Superior Court system.