San Diego County Court Records
What Is San Diego County Court Records
San Diego County court records are official documents created, maintained, and archived by the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. These records document judicial proceedings and serve as the official account of actions taken by the court. Court records typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence admitted during proceedings
- Case summaries and dockets
- Judicial opinions and decisions
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego maintains these records pursuant to California Government Code § 68150, which establishes requirements for the creation, maintenance, and preservation of court records. The records serve multiple public interests, including ensuring transparency in judicial proceedings, documenting legal precedents, and providing necessary information to parties involved in litigation.
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego - Central Division
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619-450-5700
Superior Court of San Diego County
Court records are managed by the Court Clerk's Office at each courthouse location throughout San Diego County. The official court record system includes both physical documents stored at courthouse facilities and electronic records maintained in the court's case management system.
Are Court Records Public In San Diego County
Court records in San Diego County are generally available for public inspection pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.) and California Rules of Court, rule 2.550. The public's right to access court records is based on both common law and First Amendment principles that support transparency in judicial proceedings.
However, certain limitations and exceptions to public access exist:
- Records that have been sealed by court order
- Records made confidential by statute (e.g., juvenile proceedings under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
- Records in family law cases containing sensitive personal information
- Documents containing social security numbers, financial account numbers, or other personal identifiers
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Criminal records that have been expunged pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4
The Judicial Council of California establishes statewide policies regarding public access to court records. In accordance with these policies, the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego has implemented procedures for both in-person and remote access to public court records.
Members of the public seeking access to court records may visit any San Diego Superior Court location during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding court holidays) or utilize the court's online case search system for eligible case types.
How To Find Court Records in San Diego County in 2025
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego offers multiple methods for locating and accessing court records in 2025. Members of the public may utilize the following approaches:
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Online Access: The court's electronic case search portal provides access to case information for most case types. Users may search by case number, party name, or attorney.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit any San Diego Superior Court location to request physical access to court files. Records are available for inspection at public terminals or through clerk assistance.
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Mail Requests: Written requests for copies of court records may be submitted to the appropriate court division. Requests must include case information, specific documents needed, and applicable fees.
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Certified Copies: Official certified copies of court documents may be obtained by submitting a request to the clerk's office with payment of statutory fees.
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego - North County Division
325 S. Melrose Drive
Vista, CA 92081
760-201-8600
Superior Court of San Diego County
Pursuant to California Government Code § 70627, fees apply for copies of court records. As of 2025, the fee structure includes:
- $0.50 per page for standard copies
- $1.00 per page for certified copies
- Additional fees for complex document searches or expedited service
Requests for voluminous records may require additional processing time. The court recommends contacting the specific division where the case was filed to confirm current procedures and fees before submitting requests.
How To Look Up Court Records in San Diego County Online?
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego provides comprehensive online access to court records through its electronic case search system. This system allows authorized users to search and retrieve case information remotely.
To access court records online, users must:
- Visit the official San Diego Superior Court website
- Navigate to the "Online Services" section
- Select "Case Search" from the available options
- Register for an account (for certain case types)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
The online system provides access to the following case types:
- Civil (unlimited and limited)
- Small Claims
- Family Law
- Probate
- Criminal (felony and misdemeanor)
- Traffic infractions
In accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 2.503, certain case types have restricted remote access. For example, family law cases may only display party names and case numbers online, with full document access limited to in-person requests.
The California Courts Self-Help Guide provides additional information on navigating online court record systems. Users experiencing technical difficulties may contact the court's technical support desk at 619-450-5700 during regular business hours.
Can You Search San Diego County Court Records for Free?
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego provides both free and fee-based options for searching court records. The availability of free access depends on the search method and the specific information requested.
Free access options include:
- Basic case information searches through the court's online portal
- In-person inspection of publicly available case files at courthouse locations
- Public access terminals located in courthouse facilities
- Register of Actions (ROA) for most case types
Fee-based services include:
- Printed copies of court documents ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies of court documents ($1.00 per page)
- Complex searches requiring staff assistance
- Subscription services for high-volume access
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego - East County Division
250 E. Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
619-456-4100
Superior Court of San Diego County
Pursuant to Government Code § 68150(l), the court must provide at least one method of free public access to electronic records. The San Diego Superior Court fulfills this requirement through public access terminals available at each courthouse location during regular business hours.
The County of San Diego also maintains certain court-related records that may be accessed through county offices, some of which are available without charge.
What's Included in a San Diego County Court Record?
San Diego County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The content of court records is governed by California Rules of Court, rule 2.550, and includes the following components:
- Register of Actions (ROA): A chronological listing of all case events, filings, and court actions
- Filed Documents: Complaints, petitions, motions, responses, and other papers submitted by parties
- Court Orders and Judgments: Official decisions and directives issued by judicial officers
- Hearing Minutes: Summary records of court proceedings
- Evidence Logs: Inventories of exhibits and evidence presented during hearings or trials
- Transcripts: Verbatim records of oral proceedings (when prepared)
- Case Management Information: Scheduling data, assigned judicial officers, and party information
The specific content varies by case type. For example:
- Criminal cases include charging documents, plea information, and sentencing orders
- Civil cases contain complaints, answers, motions, and judgment information
- Family law cases include petitions, financial disclosures, and custody determinations
- Probate cases contain wills, inventories, and distribution orders
Pursuant to California Government Code § 69844, the court clerk is responsible for maintaining the official record of all proceedings. These records must be preserved in accordance with the court's records retention schedule as established under Government Code § 68152.
The Judicial Council of California provides additional guidance on the content and structure of court records throughout the state.
How Long Does San Diego County Keep Court Records?
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego retains court records according to schedules established by California Government Code § 68152. Retention periods vary based on case type, case disposition, and document category.
Standard retention periods include:
- Civil Unlimited Cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil Limited Cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Small Claims: 10 years after judgment
- Felony Cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in imprisonment; 75 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor Cases: 5 years after final disposition (longer for certain offenses)
- Traffic Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
- Family Law: Permanent retention for judgments; varying periods for other documents
- Probate: Permanent retention for decrees of distribution; varying periods for other documents
- Juvenile Dependency: Until the subject reaches age 28
- Juvenile Delinquency: Until the subject reaches age 38
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego - South County Division
500 Third Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
619-746-6200
Superior Court of San Diego County
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed in accordance with Government Code § 68153. However, the court maintains a microfilm or electronic archive of certain historically significant or frequently referenced cases beyond the standard retention period.
The City of San Diego maintains separate retention schedules for municipal records that may relate to court proceedings.
Types of Courts In San Diego County
The judicial system in San Diego County consists primarily of the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, which serves as the trial court for all case types. Following the unification of municipal and superior courts in 1998 pursuant to Proposition 220, San Diego County operates a single-tier trial court system with specialized divisions.
The court is organized into the following divisions:
- Central Division: Located in downtown San Diego, handling all case types
- North County Division: Located in Vista, handling all case types
- East County Division: Located in El Cajon, handling all case types
- South County Division: Located in Chula Vista, handling all case types
- Juvenile Court: Located in Kearny Mesa, handling juvenile dependency and delinquency matters
- Probate Division: Specialized department handling estates, conservatorships, and guardianships
- Family Court: Specialized department handling divorce, custody, and support matters
- Appellate Division: Reviews appeals from limited civil and misdemeanor cases
In addition to the Superior Court, federal courts with jurisdiction over San Diego County include:
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United States District Court, Southern District of California
333 West Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
619-557-5600
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California -
United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of California
325 West F Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619-557-5620
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of California
Appeals from San Diego Superior Court decisions in unlimited civil and felony cases are heard by the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One, located in San Diego.
What Types of Cases Do San Diego County Courts Hear?
The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego has jurisdiction over a wide range of case types as established by the California Constitution, Article VI, Section 10. The court adjudicates matters in the following categories:
Civil Cases:
- Unlimited civil (claims exceeding $25,000)
- Limited civil (claims of $25,000 or less)
- Small claims (claims of $10,000 or less for individuals)
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
- Civil harassment restraining orders
- Name change petitions
- Elder abuse cases
Criminal Cases:
- Felonies (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison)
- Misdemeanors (less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail)
- Infractions (minor offenses typically punishable by fines)
- Criminal protective orders
- Mental health commitments
Family Law Cases:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Paternity actions
- Adoptions
Probate Matters:
- Decedent estates
- Conservatorships
- Guardianships
- Trust administration
- Elder care issues
Juvenile Proceedings:
- Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
- Delinquency cases (juvenile criminal matters)
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
Appellate Jurisdiction:
- Appeals from small claims judgments
- Appeals from limited civil cases
- Appeals from misdemeanor convictions
The Superior Court of San Diego County provides specialized departments and calendars for efficient processing of these various case types. Case assignment is determined by subject matter, geographic location, and complexity.
How To Find a Court Docket In San Diego County
Court dockets, also known as Registers of Actions (ROA), provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego maintains dockets for all cases filed within its jurisdiction. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods.
To locate a court docket:
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Online Access: The court's electronic case search system provides access to docket information for most case types. Users may search by case number, party name, or filing date.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit any San Diego Superior Court location and request docket information from the clerk's office or use public access terminals.
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Written Requests: Submit a written request to the appropriate division clerk's office, including case information and specific docket details needed.
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Attorney Services: Registered attorneys may access docket information through the court's secure attorney portal.
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego - Juvenile Court
2851 Meadow Lark Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
858-634-1600
Superior Court of San Diego County
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.503, certain case types have restricted remote access to docket information. For example, family law and juvenile case dockets may only be accessed in person at courthouse locations.
The California Courts Self-Help Guide provides additional information on locating and interpreting court dockets. Docket information is updated regularly but may experience delays between court actions and system updates.
Which Courts in San Diego County Are Not Courts of Record?
In San Diego County, all judicial proceedings are conducted through the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, which is a court of record as defined by California Constitution, Article VI, Section 1. Following the unification of municipal and superior courts in 1998, there are no longer any courts in San Diego County that are not courts of record.
Prior to court unification, the following were not courts of record:
- Municipal Courts (abolished in 1998)
- Justice Courts (abolished in 1995)
- Small Claims Courts (now divisions of Superior Court)
Currently, all judicial proceedings in San Diego County, regardless of case type or amount in controversy, are conducted by judicial officers of the Superior Court and are fully documented in the official record. This includes:
- Small claims proceedings
- Traffic infractions
- Limited civil matters
- Misdemeanor cases
- All other case types
The only quasi-judicial proceedings in San Diego County that might not generate a complete court record are:
- Administrative hearings conducted by county or city agencies
- Alternative dispute resolution proceedings (mediation, arbitration) unless they result in court judgments
- Certain preliminary proceedings where only summary minutes are kept
For information about administrative proceedings that may relate to court matters, contact:
County of San Diego - Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402
San Diego, CA 92101
619-531-5600
County of San Diego Public Records
Lookup Court Records in San Diego County
Access San Diego Superior Court records online
Request public court documents
Search California court case information