San Francisco County Court Records

What Is San Francisco County Court Records

San Francisco County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the official account of court proceedings and are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, court records include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
• Docket sheets detailing chronological case activities
• Orders and judgments issued by judicial officers
• Transcripts of hearings and trials
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing records in criminal matters
• Minute orders documenting court actions

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by other government agencies. In San Francisco County, court records are maintained by several courts within the unified court system, including:

• Civil Division (unlimited and limited jurisdiction)
• Criminal Division
• Unified Family Court
• Probate Division
• Juvenile Division
• Traffic Division
• Small Claims Division

These records document proceedings in civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate cases, juvenile proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. Under California Government Code § 68150, court records must be maintained in a manner that ensures their preservation, security, accessibility, and authenticity.

Are Court Records Public In San Francisco County

Court records in San Francisco County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Constitution, Article I, § 3(b), establishes a constitutional right of access to information concerning the conduct of public business.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
• Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets and registers of actions
• Hearing and trial calendars
• Court administrative records

However, not all court records are publicly accessible. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests, confidential information, or other legally protected matters. Records that may have restricted access include:

• Juvenile court records (under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
• Family law records containing confidential information
• Mental health proceedings
• Adoption records
• Records sealed by court order
• Grand jury proceedings
• Juror identifying information

The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco maintains policies governing public access to court records in compliance with state law and the California Rules of Court. These policies balance the public's right to access with individual privacy rights and the court's interest in the fair administration of justice.

How To Find Court Records in San Francisco County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in San Francisco County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco provides multiple avenues for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

1. Identify the appropriate division of the court where the case was filed
2. Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
3. Complete a records request form, providing case number or party names
4. Pay applicable fees for copies or certification
5. Wait for records to be retrieved (same-day service may be available for some records)

Records Office Locations:

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Civil Records
400 McAllister Street, Room 103
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3851
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Criminal Records
850 Bryant Street, Room 101
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 551-0651
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Written Requests:

1. Download the Records Request Form from the court website
2. Complete the form with case information and specific documents needed
3. Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
4. Mail the request to the appropriate division
5. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery

Online Access:

1. Visit the San Francisco Superior Court's online services portal
2. Register for an account if required
3. Search for cases using party names or case numbers
4. Access available documents (note that not all documents are available online)
5. Pay applicable fees for document access or downloads

For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this requirement and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to California Government Code § 70627, the fee for certification is $40.00 per document.

How To Look Up Court Records in San Francisco County Online?

The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco offers comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. These systems allow users to search and retrieve various court documents remotely:

Case Information Portal:

1. Navigate to the Case Information search page
2. Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, etc.)
3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
4. Review search results showing basic case information
5. Access available documents (fees may apply for document viewing/downloading)

This portal provides access to:

• Civil case information (unlimited and limited jurisdiction)
• Criminal case information
• Family law case information
• Probate case information
• Small claims case information

Criminal Case Information:

1. Access the Criminal Case Information System
2. Search by defendant name or case number
3. Review case summary information
4. Request specific documents if needed (additional fees apply)

Tentative Rulings:

1. Visit the Tentative Rulings page
2. Select the department or judicial officer
3. View upcoming and recent tentative rulings
4. Download PDF versions of available rulings

Court Calendar Information:

1. Access the Court Calendar system
2. Search by date, department, or case type
3. View scheduled hearings and proceedings

Users should note that pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, certain limitations apply to electronic access to court records. Some documents may only be available for in-person inspection at the courthouse, particularly those containing sensitive personal information.

How To Search San Francisco County Court Records for Free?

San Francisco County provides several options for members of the public to access court records without charge, in accordance with California's commitment to open government and judicial transparency:

Free Public Access Terminals: The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco maintains public access terminals at courthouse locations where visitors may search court records at no cost:

Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister Street, 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Hall of Justice
850 Bryant Street, 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

These terminals provide access to:

• Case indexes
• Registers of actions
• Calendars
• Basic case information

Free Online Resources:

1. Case Information Search - Basic case information is available without charge, though document downloads may incur fees
2. Court Calendar Information - Free access to hearing schedules
3. Tentative Rulings - Free access to tentative rulings issued by judges

In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to California Government Code § 68150(l), the public has the right to inspect judicial administrative records during regular business hours at no cost. While viewing records is free, obtaining copies typically requires payment of established fees.

To inspect records without charge:

1. Visit the appropriate courthouse division
2. Complete a records request form
3. Specify that you wish to inspect rather than obtain copies
4. Wait for records to be retrieved
5. Review documents in designated areas

The right to free inspection does not extend to obtaining copies, certified documents, or extensive research assistance from court staff. Additionally, some specialized searches or expedited services may incur fees regardless of whether copies are requested.

What's Included in a San Francisco County Court Record?

San Francisco County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. These records typically include:

Civil Case Records:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Answers, cross-complaints, and other responsive pleadings
• Motions and supporting documentation
• Discovery documents filed with the court
• Court orders and rulings
• Judgment documents
• Post-judgment filings
• Appeal notices and related documents
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Transcript of proceedings (if prepared)

Criminal Case Records:

• Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
• Arraignment records
• Bail and custody information
• Motions and responses
• Evidence tracking information
• Court minutes
• Plea agreements
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing documents
• Probation reports (may be confidential)
• Appeal notices
• Post-conviction filings

Family Law Records:

• Petition and response
• Financial disclosure statements
• Child custody and support documents
• Domestic violence restraining orders
• Marital settlement agreements
• Judgments
• Qualified domestic relations orders
• Paternity determinations
• Adoption filings

Probate Records:

• Petition for probate
• Will and codicils (if applicable)
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration
• Inventory and appraisal of estate assets
• Creditor claims
• Accounting reports
• Distribution plans
• Guardianship or conservatorship documents

Small Claims Records:

• Plaintiff's claim form
• Proof of service
• Defendant's response (if any)
• Judgment
• Satisfaction of judgment
• Appeal documents (if applicable)

Each court record also contains a register of actions or docket sheet that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case. This serves as an index to the case file and provides a summary of proceedings. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400, court records must be maintained in a manner that preserves their integrity and facilitates public access where appropriate.

How Long Does San Francisco County Keep Court Records?

The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco maintains court records according to retention schedules established by state law and judicial council rules. Retention periods vary based on case type, case disposition, and document category:

Civil Case 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 defendant prevails; 3 years if plaintiff prevails
• Civil harassment restraining orders: 3 years after expiration

Criminal Case Records:

• Felony cases resulting in conviction: 75 years after final disposition
• Felony cases not resulting in conviction: 3 years after final disposition
• Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
• Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention

Family Law Records:

• Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: 30 years after filing
• Paternity actions: 30 years after judgment
• Domestic violence restraining orders: 3 years after expiration
• Child custody and support: Until the youngest child reaches age 28

Probate Records:

• Decedent estates: 10 years after final disposition
• Guardianships and conservatorships: 10 years after termination
• Trusts: 10 years after case closure

Juvenile Records:

• Dependency cases: Until the subject reaches age 28
• Delinquency cases: Until the subject reaches age 38

These retention periods are established pursuant to Government Code § 68152 and the Trial Court Records Manual adopted by the Judicial Council of California. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed or, in some cases, transferred to archives for historical preservation.

The court maintains a microfilm or electronic copy of registers of actions, judgments, and indexes permanently, even after physical case files are destroyed. Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention schedule.

Types of Courts In San Francisco County

San Francisco County operates within California's unified court system, with various divisions handling different case types:

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Civil Division
Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3840
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

This division handles general civil litigation, including personal injury, contract disputes, real property matters, and civil rights cases.

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Criminal Division
Hall of Justice
850 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 551-0651
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

This division handles all criminal matters, including felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Unified Family Court
Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3906
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

This division handles family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and paternity cases.

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Probate Division
Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3650
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

This division handles probate matters, conservatorships, guardianships, and trust administration.

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Juvenile Division
Juvenile Justice Center
375 Woodside Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415) 753-7900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

This division handles juvenile dependency and delinquency matters.

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Traffic Division
Hall of Justice
850 Bryant Street, Room 145
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 551-8550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

This division handles traffic infractions and related matters.

Appeals from San Francisco Superior Court decisions are heard by the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, located at:

California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
California Courts

The highest court in California's judicial system is:

Supreme Court of California
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
California Courts

What Types of Cases Do San Francisco County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco adjudicates a wide range of legal matters through its specialized divisions:

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)
• Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
• Civil harassment restraining orders
• Name change petitions
• Elder abuse cases
• Complex litigation
• Class action lawsuits
• Writ proceedings

Criminal Division:

• Felony prosecutions
• Misdemeanor prosecutions
• Infractions
• Preliminary hearings
• Arraignments
• Bail proceedings
• Sentencing
• Probation violations
• Criminal appeals from infractions
• Mental health competency proceedings

Unified Family Court:

• Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
• Legal separation
• Nullity of marriage
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Property division
• Domestic violence restraining orders
• Paternity actions
• Adoptions
• Termination of parental rights

Probate Division:

• Decedent estate administration
• Will contests
• Trust administration and disputes
• Conservatorships
• Guardianships
• Elder care matters
• Mental health conservatorships

Juvenile Division:

• Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
• Delinquency cases (juvenile offenses)
• Status offenses
• Emancipation petitions
• Adoption proceedings involving dependent children

Traffic Division:

• Traffic infractions
• Parking violations
• Driver's license issues
• Traffic school eligibility

The Superior Court has jurisdiction over virtually all legal disputes under state law within San Francisco County. Federal matters, including federal crimes, bankruptcy, immigration, patent disputes, and certain civil rights cases, are handled by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, which maintains a courthouse in San Francisco but operates as a separate judicial system.

Pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 85-86, the Superior Court's jurisdiction is divided between limited and unlimited civil cases based on the amount in controversy, with different procedural rules applying to each category.

How To Find a Court Docket In San Francisco County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. San Francisco County offers several methods to access these important records:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the San Francisco Superior Court's Case Information portal
2. Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, etc.)
3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
4. View the register of actions showing all case events
5. Note that while basic docket information is free, document access may require fees

Public Access Terminals:

1. Visit one of the courthouse locations during business hours
2. Use the public access computers in the clerk's office
3. Search by case number or party name
4. View complete docket information
5. Print docket sheets for a nominal fee

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the clerk's office for the appropriate division
2. Complete a records request form
3. Provide case number or party information
4. Request the register of actions/docket sheet
5. Pay applicable fees for copies

Written Requests:

1. Download the Records Request Form
2. Complete the form, specifying "Register of Actions" or "Docket Sheet"
3. Include payment for applicable fees
4. Mail to the appropriate division
5. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery

For criminal cases, docket information can be accessed through the Criminal Case Information System. Civil case dockets are available through the Civil Case Information portal.

Court dockets typically contain:

• Case number and filing date
• Party names and attorney information
• Chronological listing of all filings
• Hearing dates and outcomes
• Judgment information
• Post-judgment activities

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503(b), electronic access to court calendars, registers of actions, and indexes is required to be provided to the public.

Which Courts in San Francisco County Are Not Courts of Record?

In San Francisco County, all judicial proceedings take place within the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, which is a court of record. Unlike some other California counties, San Francisco County does not maintain separate inferior courts that function as "courts not of record."

A "court of record" is defined under California Code of Civil Procedure § 117 as a court in which the proceedings are recorded and preserved. These courts maintain formal records of all proceedings, and their decisions may be appealed based on the official record.

Historically, California maintained a two-tier trial court system with Superior Courts and Municipal Courts, with the latter sometimes functioning as courts not of record for minor matters. However, following the passage of Proposition 220 in 1998, all Municipal Courts in California were merged with the Superior Courts, creating a unified trial court system. This unification was completed in San Francisco County in December 1998.

While the Small Claims Division of the Superior Court handles matters in a less formal manner, it remains a division of the Superior Court and is therefore a court of record. Small claims proceedings are governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 116.110 et seq., which establishes simplified procedures but still requires the maintenance of official records.

Traffic infractions, which in some jurisdictions might be handled by courts not of record, are processed by the Traffic Division of the San Francisco Superior Court, which maintains official records of all proceedings.

The only proceedings in San Francisco County that might be considered analogous to "not of record" proceedings are certain administrative hearings conducted by city agencies, such as:

• Parking citation administrative reviews
• Administrative appeals of certain municipal code violations
• Certain licensing and permit hearings

However, these are administrative proceedings rather than judicial courts, and they typically maintain their own record-keeping systems.

Lookup Court Records in San Francisco County

Online Services - Superior Court of San Francisco County

Case Information Search Portal

Court Records Request Information

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

Criminal Records Request Information