Contra Costa County Court Records

Contra Costa County court records refer to criminal and civil case files or information generated, kept, and maintained by the Clerk of the Contra Costa County Superior Court. While some documents are filed by parties at the start of a lawsuit, others are added by the court as the case progresses through hearings, motions, and judgments.

Court records in Contra Costa County play a key role in showing how the county's legal system operates and give interested parties insight into judicial decisions. In addition, Contra Costa County court records:

• Promote accountability and transparency by documenting what happens in court
• Provide a vital foundation for legal research, study, and public education
• Serve as essential resources for criminal background checks
• Act as evidence in later cases and appeals.
• Enable the development and application of judicial precedents

Contra Costa County court records are maintained per the California Government Code §68150, California Rules of Court, and other governing laws. Although they may be used alongside other public documents, such as arrest reports or vital records, Contra Costa County court records stand apart as the official record of the Superior Court's legal actions and judicial outcomes.

Are Contra Costa County Court Records Public?

Yes. Contra Costa County court records are public information to the extent that no law generally exempts them from public disclosure. While the California Public Records Law (CPRA) does not apply to Contra Costa County court records, rules governing the dissemination of court information reflect the state's general policy regarding the right of every person in the state to access information regarding the conduct of the people's business.

Consequently, California Government Code § 68150 expressly declares court records to be public, directing access to the public for viewing and duplication. Per the law, paper and electronic copies of court documents must be made available to requestors at the court's physical location, regardless of remote accessibility.

Information exempt from public access includes

• Adoption records
• Certain proprietary information
• Juvenile delinquency and dependency records
• Mental health records

What Information is Available in Contra Costa County Court Records?

A typical Contra Costa County court record contains a variety of details regarding a legal proceeding, such as

• Case information (case number, court, file date, case type, case status)
• Party information (names of the plaintiff, defendant, and attorneys)
• Charge information (charges, description, statute)
• Hearings
• Judgments
• Court minutes and docket entries

Contra Costa County Court Records Search

Individuals can obtain Contra Costa County court records in person, by telephone, and by mail:

In-Person Requests:

The most reliable way to obtain Contra Costa County court documents, orders, minutes, and other court records is by visiting the records clerk in the courthouse where the case was heard. Court staff are typically available within regular work hours to assist requesters in performing a search. For example, civil staff can answer inquiries regarding upcoming scheduled hearings and document statuses. Visitors may also need to present a valid picture identification to view restricted court files.

Civil court case records are available in person at this location:

Requesters should note that physical civil files may take up to 10 business days to be delivered to the main courthouse from their off-site retention facilities. Some electronic civil court records in small claims and unlawful retainer matters can be obtained at the Richmond and Pittsburgh courthouses.

Criminal court case records can be acquired from the superior court at these addresses:

Mail Requests:

Requesters searching for criminal case records can fill out and submit form C-147 Criminal Records Search Request for record name searches or CR-114 Criminal Records Copies Request for copies of documents and mail them to the Martinez, Pittsburgh, or Richmond criminal clerk's offices.

For civil court records, individuals can send a mail application using the Court Records - Mail Request form to:

Requests should be sent along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Phone Requests:

The court clerk's office can be reached at (925) 608-1000. Individuals who encounter difficulties locating or obtaining court records are advised to call the above number for relevant information.

Online Requests:

Interested parties can research criminal and non-criminal court case records and hearings online using the Court's Public Portal; traffic cases are accessible through the Court's Traffic Portal. However, case documents, minutes, and orders are not available online.

Information about obtaining copies and transcripts of the electronic recording from a hearing is available on the Order Electronic Recordings page of the superior court's official website. Individuals can also view daily and upcoming court calendars for civil and non-civil cases online.

Fees for Court Records in Contra Costa County

The cost of obtaining copies of Contra Costa County court records in person or by mail is 50 cents per page. Certified copies of documents cost $40 plus 50 cents per page, while certified copies for divorce judgments cost $15 each.

The applicable fees for obtaining vital records in Contra Costa County are as follows:

• Birth certificate: $36 per certified copy
• Death certificate: $28 per certified copy
• Marriage certificate: $21 per certified copy

Contra Costa County Courthouse Locations

Contra Costa County is home to a superior court located at the addresses below:

Contra Costa County Superior Court handles a wide range of case types, including limited and unlimited civil cases, felonies, misdemeanors, family law cases, juvenile proceedings, landlord/tenant disputes, mental health matters, non-traffic and traffic infractions, probate matters, and small claims.

Criminal Records Access in Contra Costa County

In Contra Costa County, access to criminal records depends on the type of information sought. While the superior court handles local court case information, state-level criminal history reports (background checks) are managed by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). However, state and local summary criminal history information is not subject to public disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Access to such records is generally restricted to authorized entities, such as the subject of the record, law enforcement agencies (for official purposes only), and a few employers or regulatory agencies.

Subjects of records can request copies of their criminal history records by submitting fingerprint images to the DOJ and following the instructions highlighted on the DOJ's Criminal Records page. This process requires the payment of a $25 processing fee; however, eligible persons may apply for a fee waiver.

Contra Costa County Probate Records

Contra Costa County probate cases are overseen by the Probate Division, a unit of the Contra Costa Superior Court (the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse). These matters typically involve the distribution of a deceased person's assets, as well as the appointment and supervision of guardians or conservators to protect the rights of minors and incapacitated adults. In summary, Contra Costa County probate records primarily involve decedents' estates, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships.

Information regarding wills, trusts, and estates can be obtained from the probate division via telephone at (925) 608-2613. Public probate records can also be obtained via the Court's Public Portal and in person at the courthouse where the case was heard.

Individuals should note, however, that while probate records are generally public documents, certain case information is restricted from public disclosure. Examples of exempt probate records include Lanternman-Petris Short (LPS) cases (matters involving persons placed in a locked facility), psychological evaluations, and mediation reports.

Contra Costa County Family Court Records

Family law cases in Contra Costa County are primarily heard at the Spinetta Family Law Center in Martinez, with a few family-related filings heard at the Pittsburgh Superior Court and Richmond Superior Court locations. Family matters handled in these courts include adoptions, legal separation, dissolution of marriage, domestic violence, spousal support, paternity, nullity, child support, visitation, and custody. These records are generally subject to public disclosure unless sealed by a court or made confidential by law.

For example, per the Uniform Parentage Act, certain parentage cases that involved assisted reproduction are confidential documents. Adoption, child custody, and juvenile dependency cases are also closed to the public.

Family court records can be retrieved using the same procedures as other civil court case records. That is, requesters can query the Clerk of the Superior Court in person, via mail, telephone, or online through the Court's Public Portal.

Federal Court Records in Contra Costa County

While no federal courthouse is physically located in Contra Costa County, federal cases originating in the county are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Federal district courts hear cases within the federal court system, including bankruptcy cases, immigration matters, and violations of U.S. criminal laws.

The Clerk of Court of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, is responsible for maintaining and disseminating public court case information handled by the court. Requesters can get these records by visiting the clerk's office in any of the federal district court locations. Typically, individuals must provide the case number or the full names of at least one of the parties to view or retrieve documents. Public terminals are available at the courthouses to help users search party names and locate case numbers.

Requesters can also view court case information and print electronically filed documents via PACER, the Public Access to Electronic Records system. Individuals can also obtain free court orders online. Detailed information on obtaining copies of court documents is available on the court's website.