Accessing court records can be a daunting task, especially for those unfamiliar with the process. San Bernardino County, located in California, has a vast repository of court records that can be accessed by the public. As a domain-specific expert with years of experience in navigating court records, I will provide a simplified guide on how to access San Bernardino court records.
San Bernardino County has a well-established system for maintaining and providing access to court records. The San Bernardino County Superior Court, which comprises multiple court locations throughout the county, is responsible for maintaining these records. The court's records include documents related to civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, as well as traffic and small claims cases.
Understanding San Bernardino Court Records
San Bernardino court records are maintained in accordance with the California Rules of Court and the Government Code. These records are considered public documents and are available for inspection and copying by the public, with some exceptions. The types of records available include:
- Civil case records, including complaints, answers, and judgments
- Criminal case records, including arrest reports, charges, and dispositions
- Family law case records, including divorce and child custody documents
- Probate case records, including wills, trusts, and estate documents
- Traffic and small claims case records
Accessing San Bernardino Court Records Online
The San Bernardino County Superior Court provides online access to court records through its website. The court's online portal, known as the "Public Access Portal," allows users to search for and view court records. To access these records, follow these steps:
- Visit the San Bernardino County Superior Court website at www.sb-court.org
- Click on the "Public Access Portal" link
- Select the type of record you wish to search for (e.g., civil, criminal, family law)
- Enter the required search criteria, such as case number or party name
- View and print the records, if available
| Record Type | Search Criteria |
|---|---|
| Civil | Case number, party name, or attorney name |
| Criminal | Case number, defendant name, or date of birth |
| Family Law | Case number, party name, or child's name |
In-Person Access to San Bernardino Court Records
For those who prefer to access court records in person, the San Bernardino County Superior Court provides public terminals at its court locations. These terminals allow users to search for and view court records. Additionally, users can request copies of records from the court's records department.
To access court records in person, follow these steps:
- Visit one of the San Bernardino County Superior Court locations
- Use the public terminals to search for and view court records
- Request copies of records from the court's records department, if needed
Fees and Requirements
San Bernardino County Superior Court charges fees for accessing and copying court records. The fees vary depending on the type of record and the method of access. Here are some general guidelines:
- Online access: free, but printing and copying fees apply
- In-person access: free, but copying fees apply
- Record copying: $0.50 per page, with a minimum fee of $5.00
Key Points
- San Bernardino court records are public documents and are available for inspection and copying
- The San Bernardino County Superior Court provides online access to court records through its Public Access Portal
- In-person access to court records is available at the court's locations
- Fees apply for accessing and copying court records
- Record accuracy and completeness should be verified
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access San Bernardino court records online?
+To access San Bernardino court records online, visit the San Bernardino County Superior Court website and use the Public Access Portal. You can search for and view court records by case number, party name, or other criteria.
Can I access San Bernardino court records in person?
+Yes, you can access San Bernardino court records in person at one of the court's locations. Use the public terminals to search for and view court records, and request copies of records from the court's records department, if needed.
Are San Bernardino court records public documents?
+Yes, San Bernardino court records are considered public documents and are available for inspection and copying by the public, with some exceptions.
In conclusion, accessing San Bernardino court records can be a straightforward process if you understand the procedures and requirements. By following this guide, you can efficiently obtain the court records you need.