Contra Costa County Court Records
What Is Contra Costa County Court Records
Court records in Contra Costa County encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550(b)(1), court records include "all documents, papers, exhibits, transcripts, and other materials that are filed in a case." These records serve as the official documentation of court activities and proceedings.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets listing chronological case events
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by other county departments. The Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa maintains judicial records for proceedings conducted within its jurisdiction.
The following courts maintain records in Contra Costa County:
- Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa (handling civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters)
- Appellate Division of the Superior Court (for limited civil and misdemeanor appeals)
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 Contra Costa County
Court records in Contra Costa 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 government business.
Records that are typically available for public inspection include:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing schedules and calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. According to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551, records may be sealed when there is an overriding interest that overcomes the right of public access. Examples of restricted records include:
- Juvenile court proceedings
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family law matters
- Records sealed by court order
- Cases involving confidential informants
- Records containing personal identifying information
The Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa follows the California Rules of Court regarding public access to judicial records. These rules establish uniform statewide standards for public access while protecting legitimate privacy interests.
How To Find Court Records in Contra Costa County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Contra Costa County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for record identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certification
- Wait for staff to retrieve records (same-day service may be available for some records)
By Mail:
- Download and complete the Court Records Mail Request form
- Include case number or names of parties involved
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail the request to the appropriate courthouse division
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Online Access:
- Visit the Contra Costa Superior Court Public Portal
- Select the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review available case information and documents
- Download accessible documents or note information needed for in-person retrieval
By Telephone:
- Contact the appropriate division of the Superior Court
- Provide case information to court staff
- Inquire about record availability and retrieval options
- Follow staff instructions for obtaining copies
Records Request Locations:
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa - Civil Records
1111 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa - Criminal Records
A.F. Bray Courthouse
1020 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
How To Look Up Court Records in Contra Costa County Online?
The Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa provides several online resources for accessing court records electronically. These digital platforms allow members of the public to search for case information without visiting the courthouse in person.
Civil Case Records:
- Navigate to the Online Case Information portal
- Select "Civil Case Information" from the available options
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or attorney)
- Review case summary information, including filing date, case type, and party information
- Note that while basic case information is available online, most document images require in-person retrieval
Criminal Case Records:
- Access the Criminal Court Records portal
- Select "Criminal Case Information" from the available options
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Review case summary, charges, and status information
- Note that criminal case documents are not available for download and must be requested in person
Court Calendars:
- Visit the Court Calendar Search
- Select calendar type (civil, criminal, family law, etc.)
- Choose date range and department/courtroom
- View scheduled hearings and appearances
Register of Actions:
- Access the appropriate case type portal
- Enter case number or party name
- View chronological listing of all actions taken in the case
Limitations of Online Access:
- Document images are generally not available for download
- Certain case types may have restricted online access
- Historical cases may not be included in the online system
- Detailed information may require in-person requests
- Fees may apply for document copies requested in person
Users should note that the online system provides primarily case summary information, while full document access typically requires an in-person visit to the appropriate courthouse.
How To Search Contra Costa County Court Records for Free?
California law guarantees the public's right to inspect judicial records at no cost, as established in Government Code § 68150(l), which states that "reasonable provision shall be made for public inspection of the records." The following methods are available for accessing Contra Costa County court records without charge:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse division during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for record identification
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
- Review materials at designated public viewing areas
- Note that while inspection is free, copying fees will apply if copies are requested
Free Online Search Options:
- Case Information Search - Provides basic case information including parties, filing dates, and case types
- Criminal Case Information - Offers defendant information, charges, and case status
- Court Calendar Search - Shows scheduled hearings and appearances
Public Access Terminals:
- Available at courthouse locations throughout the county
- Provide more comprehensive search capabilities than the public website
- May include access to additional case information not available online
- No fee for searching or viewing information on terminals
- Printing fees may apply if copies are requested
Law Library Access:
- Visit the Contra Costa County Law Library
- Use public access computers for court record searches
- Receive assistance from law librarians for complex searches
- Access legal research materials to supplement court record information
While inspection and basic online searches are free, fees apply for copies, certifications, and certain specialized searches. Current fee schedules are available at the clerk's office or on the court's website.
What's Included in a Contra Costa County Court Record?
Court records in Contra Costa County contain various documents and information depending on the case type. The content of these records is governed by the California Rules of Court and local court rules. Typical components include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and responsive pleadings
- Motions and supporting documentation
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Judgment or dismissal documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
- Register of actions (chronological case history)
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
- Arraignment and plea information
- Bail and custody status
- Motions and responses
- Evidence logs and exhibits
- Court orders and rulings
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal documents
Family Law Records:
- Petition and response
- Financial disclosures (may be confidential)
- Child custody and support orders
- Marital settlement agreements
- Judgments and decrees
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Mediation reports (often confidential)
Probate Records:
- Petition for probate or conservatorship
- Inventories and appraisals
- Wills and codicils
- Letters of administration or testamentary
- Accountings
- Distribution orders
- Guardianship or conservatorship documents
Small Claims Records:
- Plaintiff's claim and order
- Proof of service
- Defendant's response
- Judgment
- Satisfaction of judgment
Each record also contains metadata such as filing dates, assigned judicial officer, hearing dates, and case status information. The completeness of records may vary based on case age, type, and status.
How Long Does Contra Costa County Keep Court Records?
The retention of court records in Contra Costa County is governed by California Government Code § 68152, which establishes minimum retention periods for various types of judicial records. The Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa adheres to these statutory requirements and the California Judicial Council's Records Retention Schedule.
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 judgment for plaintiff; 3 years if judgment for defendant
- Civil harassment restraining orders: 3 years after expiration
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases with imprisonment: Permanent
- Other felony cases: 75 years
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
- Domestic violence cases: 5 years after final disposition
Family Law Records:
- Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: Permanent
- Child custody and visitation: Permanent
- Child support: Permanent until child reaches age 23
- Domestic violence restraining orders: 3 years after expiration
Probate Records:
- Decedent estates: Permanent
- Conservatorships: Permanent
- Guardianships: Permanent
- Trust matters: Permanent
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 the standard retention schedule. Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
Types of Courts In Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County's judicial system consists of various courts that handle different types of cases. All courts in the county operate under the unified Superior Court of California system as established by Article VI of the California Constitution.
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa - Main Courthouse
1000 Main Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
A.F. Bray Courthouse (Criminal Division)
1020 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Wakefield Taylor Courthouse (Civil Division)
725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Family Law Center
751 Pine Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
George D. Carroll Courthouse
100 37th Street
Richmond, CA 94805
(925) 608-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Pittsburg Branch
1000 Center Drive
Pittsburg, CA 94565
(925) 608-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Walnut Creek Superior Court
640 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 608-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Juvenile Court
202 Glacier Drive
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
The California court system hierarchy includes:
- Superior Courts (trial courts at county level)
- Courts of Appeal (six appellate districts)
- California Supreme Court (highest state court)
Contra Costa County is within the jurisdiction of the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, located in San Francisco.
What Types of Cases Do Contra Costa County Courts Hear?
The Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa has jurisdiction over a wide range of case types. Each division of the court specializes in specific categories of legal matters:
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)
- Civil harassment restraining orders
- Name changes
- Elder abuse cases
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
- Civil appeals from limited jurisdiction cases
Criminal Division:
- Felony cases (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison)
- Misdemeanor cases (less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail)
- Infractions (minor offenses typically punishable by fines)
- Traffic violations
- Criminal protective orders
- Probation violations
- Criminal appeals from infraction cases
Family Law Division:
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Legal separation
- Nullity of marriage
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Paternity actions
- Adoption proceedings
- Termination of parental rights
Probate Division:
- Decedent estates
- Trust administration
- Conservatorships
- Guardianships
- Elder care matters
- Mental health proceedings
- Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) conservatorships
Juvenile Division:
- Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
- Delinquency cases (juvenile criminal matters)
- Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations)
- Emancipation of minors
Appellate Division:
- Appeals from limited civil cases
- Appeals from misdemeanor cases
- Appeals from infraction cases
- Writ proceedings
Each courthouse location may handle specific case types, with some matters centralized at particular facilities. The court's website provides current information on which locations handle specific case types.
How To Find a Court Docket In Contra Costa County
Court dockets, which provide a chronological listing of all proceedings and filings in a case, are accessible through several methods in Contra Costa County. These records offer valuable information about case status, scheduled hearings, and filed documents.
Online Docket Search:
- Visit the Superior Court's Online Case Information portal
- Select the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- View the register of actions, which serves as the official docket
- Note upcoming hearing dates and previously filed documents
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number
- Request to view the docket or register of actions
- Review the information at designated public viewing areas
- Request copies of specific documents referenced in the docket (fees apply)
Court Calendar Search:
- Access the Court Calendar Search function
- Select the desired date range and courthouse location
- Choose the department or judicial officer (if known)
- View all cases scheduled for hearing during the specified period
- Note case numbers for further docket research
Public Access Terminals:
- Use computer terminals available at courthouse locations
- Search by case number, party name, or date range
- View more detailed docket information than available on public website
- Print docket information for a fee
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the appropriate division clerk's office
- Provide case number or party information
- Request basic docket information
- Note that detailed information may require in-person or online research
For cases filed prior to electronic record-keeping, docket information may be available only in physical form at the courthouse. Research assistance is available from court clerks, though they cannot provide legal advice regarding docket contents.
Which Courts in Contra Costa County Are Not Courts of Record?
In California's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by Government Code § 27203 as a court that maintains a permanent, official record of all proceedings, and whose actions and judgments are presumed valid. Following the unification of California's court system in 2001, all judicial proceedings in Contra Costa County now take place within the Superior Court of California, which is a court of record.
Prior to court unification, Contra Costa County maintained the following courts that were not courts of record:
- Municipal Courts (abolished in 2001)
- Justice Courts (abolished in 1995)
- Small Claims Courts (now divisions of Superior Court)
Currently, there are no courts in Contra Costa County that operate as "not of record." All judicial proceedings, including those for minor offenses and small claims, are conducted within divisions of the Superior Court and maintain official records of proceedings.
The significance of all courts being "of record" includes:
- Official transcripts or electronic recordings are made of all proceedings
- Judgments are entered into permanent court records
- Appeals are based on the official record of proceedings
- Court actions carry the presumption of regularity and validity
- Records are maintained according to statutory retention schedules
While all courts in Contra Costa County are courts of record, the level of detail in records may vary by case type. For example, traffic infractions may have less extensive documentation than felony criminal proceedings or complex civil litigation.
Lookup Court Records in Contra Costa County
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Court Records Request Information