Official Court Access
California Criminal Court Records Online
Start at the county Superior Court’s criminal case search; contact the clerk if the record is not online.
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Locate California criminal case information online
County Superior Court online criminal case search
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Best first step
Use the county Superior Court’s online criminal case search.
Often searchable online
Basic docket details, case status, and hearing dates.
Often requires clerk or courthouse
Older files, full documents, restricted items, and certified copies.
Official paths to California criminal case records
| Official Path | Best For | How to Access | What You May Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Superior Court online case search (criminal) | Trial-level criminal case lookups in a specific county. | Go to the county Superior Court site and run a criminal case search. | Case status, docket entries, hearing settings; document access varies. |
| Superior Court Clerk (Criminal Division) | Copies, records not available online, and certifications. | Contact the clerk or visit the criminal records counter. | File access guidance, copy requests, certified records. |
| Courthouse records counter/public terminals (criminal) | Onsite searches and viewing files that require in-person access. | Visit the courthouse and use public terminals or request the file. | Expanded docket views and access to case files per local rules. |
| State appellate courts online case information | Criminal appeals and higher-court criminal matters. | Use the state judiciary’s appellate case search. | Appellate docket summaries, opinions, and calendars. |
Procedural notes
Where should I search for a California criminal case?
Start with the county Superior Court that handled the case; use its online search first.
What if I cannot find documents online?
Request copies from the Superior Court Criminal Division clerk or review the file at the courthouse.
What information helps the search?
A case number is best; otherwise use a party name and the filing county.
Is there a single statewide search for trial criminal cases?
No; trial-level criminal records are held by county Superior Courts. Check the county portal, then contact the clerk.