Sonoma County Court Records
What Is Sonoma County Court Records
Court records in Sonoma County encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of legal proceedings maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, court records include 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
The Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma maintains records for all court divisions operating within its jurisdiction, including:
- Civil Division (unlimited and limited civil matters)
- Criminal Division (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Family Law Division (divorce, custody, support)
- Probate Division (estates, conservatorships, guardianships)
- Juvenile Division (dependency and delinquency)
- Traffic Division (infractions and citations)
- Small Claims Division (minor civil disputes)
Under California Government Code § 68150, court records may be maintained in paper, microfilm, or electronic format, with each format considered equally official for legal purposes.
Are Court Records Public In Sonoma County
Court records in Sonoma County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250) 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 public business.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and registers of actions
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Final opinions and dispositions
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile court records (Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
- Records sealed by court order
- Confidential family law documents (financial disclosures, custody evaluations)
- Mental health proceedings
- Juror identifying information
- Documents containing personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers)
The Judicial Branch of California establishes uniform standards for public access to court records through the California Rules of Court, Rules 2.500-2.507, which govern both physical and electronic access to judicial records.
How To Find Court Records in Sonoma County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Sonoma County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Records Department of the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma.
- Complete a Records Request Form (available at the counter or downloadable from the court website).
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information.
- Present valid photo identification if requesting confidential or restricted records.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies).
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma - Records Department
Hall of Justice
600 Administration Drive, Room 107-J
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 521-6500
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request via mail to the Records Department.
- Include case number, names of parties, approximate date of filing, and specific documents requested.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees.
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing.
Online Access:
- Access the Sonoma County Superior Court Case Portal.
- Register for an account if accessing non-public case information.
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date.
- View available documents and case information.
- Pay applicable fees for document downloads.
By Telephone:
- Contact the Records Department at (707) 521-6500.
- Provide case information to the clerk.
- Request information about record availability and retrieval options.
- Arrange for copies to be prepared for in-person pickup or mailing.
How To Look Up Court Records in Sonoma County Online?
Sonoma County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically:
Sonoma County Superior Court Case Portal: The Case Portal serves as the primary online system for accessing court records and provides:
- Case information search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Register of actions (chronological case history)
- Future hearing dates
- Case document index
- Document viewing for publicly accessible filings
Search steps:
- Select case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (minimum of three characters for name searches)
- Review search results and select desired case
- View case summary, register of actions, and available documents
Recently Filed Cases: The Recently Filed Cases portal provides access to newly initiated cases in the Civil, Probate, and Family Law divisions.
Criminal Case Information: Criminal case information is available through the Case Portal with certain limitations on pre-conviction records.
Court Calendars: Daily court calendars showing scheduled hearings are accessible through the main court website.
Document Access Limitations: Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, certain documents may not be available online even when publicly accessible at the courthouse. Additionally, California law prohibits the display of recorded documents on the internet with certain exceptions.
How To Search Sonoma County Court Records for Free?
California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400, guarantees the public's right to inspect publicly accessible court records without charge. The following free options are available for accessing Sonoma County court records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Records Department during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday, excluding court holidays).
- Request to view specific case files using the Records Request Form.
- Present identification if required for specific case types.
- Review records in designated viewing areas.
- Return files to court staff when finished.
Free Online Search Options:
- Basic case information searches through the Case Portal are available without charge.
- Court calendars and hearing schedules can be viewed online at no cost.
- Recently filed cases can be searched without fees.
Public Access Terminals: Free computer terminals are available at the courthouse for searching electronic court records:
Hall of Justice - Public Access Terminals
600 Administration Drive, Room 107-J
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday
While basic searches and viewing are free, fees apply for:
- Printed copies ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies ($40.00 for first page, $0.50 each additional page)
- Document downloads from online systems (varies by document type)
- Research assistance ($15 per name/case for searches requiring staff assistance)
What's Included in a Sonoma County Court Record?
Court records in Sonoma County typically contain the following components, though content varies by case type:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers or responses from defendants
- Motions and supporting documentation
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Judgment or dismissal
- Notice of appeal (if applicable)
- Register of actions (chronological case history)
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
- Arraignment minutes
- Bail or custody information
- Motions and responses
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts (if requested)
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (access restricted)
- Register of actions
Family Law Records:
- Petition for dissolution, legal separation, or nullity
- Response to petition
- Financial disclosures (confidential)
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child and spousal support calculations and orders
- Property division judgments
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Mediation reports (confidential)
Probate Records:
- Petition for probate or conservatorship
- Wills and codicils
- Letters of administration or testamentary
- Inventories and appraisals
- Accountings
- Distribution orders
- Guardianship documents
- Conservatorship investigation reports (confidential)
Small Claims Records:
- Plaintiff's claim and order
- Proof of service
- Defendant's response (if any)
- Judgment
- Notice of appeal (if applicable)
Each case file also contains a register of actions, which serves as an index and chronological summary of all filings, hearings, and court actions.
How Long Does Sonoma County Keep Court Records?
Sonoma County Superior Court retains court records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California under Government Code § 68152. Retention periods vary by case type and document classification:
Criminal Records:
- Capital felony cases with death penalty: Permanent
- Felony cases with life sentences: Permanent
- Other felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Infractions: 3 years after final 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 final disposition
- Unlawful detainer cases: 1 year if judgment for plaintiff; 3 years if judgment for defendant
Family Law Records:
- Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: Permanent for judgment and custody/support orders
- Domestic violence restraining orders: Permanent
- Paternity actions: Permanent
- Other family law matters: 30 years after final disposition
Probate Records:
- Decedent estates: Permanent for final order of distribution
- Guardianships and conservatorships: Permanent
- Trust proceedings: 10 years after final disposition
Juvenile Records:
- Dependency cases: Until subject reaches age 28
- Delinquency cases (serious offenses): Until subject reaches age 38
- Delinquency cases (minor offenses): 5 years after jurisdiction terminates
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed or archived according to court procedures. Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of retention schedules.
Types of Courts In Sonoma County
Sonoma County's judicial system consists of the following courts:
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma - Main Courthouse
Hall of Justice
600 Administration Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 521-6500
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma - Civil and Family Law Courthouse
3055 Cleveland Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 521-6500
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma - Juvenile Justice Center
7425 Rancho Los Guilicos Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(707) 521-6500
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma
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
Sonoma County is within the jurisdiction of the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District:
California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7300
California Courts of Appeal
The highest court in California is:
California Supreme Court
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7000
California Supreme Court
What Types of Cases Do Sonoma County Courts Hear?
The Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma adjudicates a wide range of case types across its various divisions:
Civil Division:
- Unlimited civil cases (claims exceeding $25,000)
- Limited civil cases (claims of $25,000 or less)
- Small claims (disputes up to $10,000)
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
- Civil harassment restraining orders
- Name change petitions
- Elder abuse cases
- Complex litigation
Criminal Division:
- Felony cases (preliminary hearings and trials)
- Misdemeanor cases
- Infractions
- Traffic violations
- Criminal protective orders
- Probation violations
- Mental health competency proceedings
Family Law Division:
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Legal separation
- Nullity of marriage
- Child custody and visitation
- Child and spousal support
- Property division
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Paternity actions
- Adoptions
Probate Division:
- Decedent estates
- Trust proceedings
- Conservatorships
- Guardianships
- Elder care petitions
- Mental health conservatorships
Juvenile Division:
- Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
- Delinquency cases (juvenile offenses)
- Adoption proceedings
- Termination of parental rights
Appellate Division:
- Appeals from limited civil cases
- Appeals from misdemeanor cases
- Appeals from infraction cases
- Writ proceedings
Each division operates under specific procedural rules established by the California Rules of Court and local court rules.
How To Find a Court Docket In Sonoma County
Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all filings and proceedings in a case. Sonoma County residents may access court dockets through the following methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Sonoma County Superior Court Case Portal
- Select the appropriate case type category
- Search by case number (preferred) or party name
- Select the desired case from search results
- View the register of actions, which displays all docket entries
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Records Department at the Hall of Justice
- Complete a Records Request Form
- Provide case number or party names
- Request to view the register of actions
- Review the docket at designated viewing stations
Public Access Terminals:
- Use self-service computer terminals at the courthouse
- Search for cases by number or party name
- Access docket information for public cases
- Print docket entries for a fee ($0.50 per page)
Daily Court Calendars: Court calendars listing scheduled hearings are available:
- Online through the Superior Court website
- In person at courthouse information desks
- Posted daily outside courtrooms
For cases filed prior to the implementation of the current case management system, docket information may be available in legacy formats requiring staff assistance to access.
Which Courts in Sonoma County Are Not Courts of Record?
A "court of record" is defined under California law as a court in which a record of proceedings is made and preserved. Pursuant to California Constitution, Article VI, Section 1, all judicial power in California is vested in the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and Superior Courts, all of which are courts of record.
In Sonoma County, all judicial proceedings take place within the Superior Court system, which is a court of record. Unlike some other states, California no longer maintains separate municipal courts, justice courts, or other lower courts that might not be courts of record. Following court unification completed in 2001, all former municipal and justice courts were merged into the Superior Court system.
Therefore, all courts operating within Sonoma County are courts of record, including:
- All divisions of the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma
- All courtrooms and judicial officers within the Superior Court system
- All proceedings, whether for felonies, misdemeanors, infractions, or civil matters
As courts of record, these courts:
- Maintain official transcripts or recordings of proceedings
- Have the authority to fine or imprison for contempt
- Create an official record that can be used for appeals
- Issue judgments that are presumptively valid
Administrative hearings conducted by county agencies (such as assessment appeals or planning commission hearings) are not considered courts and therefore are not courts of record.
Lookup Court Records in Sonoma County
Case Portal for Sonoma Superior Court
Search Records with the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor
Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma
Records Department of Sonoma County Superior Court
Recently Filed Cases in Sonoma County
Public Records Access through the Judicial Branch of California