Fresno County Court Records

What Is Fresno County Court Records

Court records in Fresno County are official documents created and maintained by the county's judicial system during legal proceedings. These records document the activities, decisions, and filings associated with cases heard in Fresno County courts. Pursuant to California Government Code § 68150, court records may be maintained in any form, including electronic formats, provided they meet standards for accuracy, integrity, and accessibility.

The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno maintains these records, which typically include:

• Case filings and pleadings
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing transcripts
• Evidence presented during proceedings
• Docket information
• Case indices

The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by California Rules of Court, particularly rules 2.400-2.507, which establish standards for public access to judicial administrative records.

Superior Court of California, County of Fresno
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 457-2000
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno

Are Court Records Public In Fresno County

Most court records in Fresno County are considered public documents in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.) and the common law right of access to public records. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), also establishes a constitutional right of access to information concerning the conduct of public business.

However, certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure:

• Records sealed by court order
• Juvenile court records (Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health proceedings
• Certain family law matters involving minors
• Records containing confidential personal information
• Cases involving domestic violence restraining orders

The determination of which records are accessible to the public is governed by California Rules of Court, rules 2.550 and 2.551, which establish procedures for sealing and unsealing court records. Members of the public seeking access to court records should be aware that certain information within otherwise public records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as required by law.

How To Find Court Records in Fresno County in 2025

Members of the public seeking court records in Fresno County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno has established multiple channels for record retrieval:

1. Online Access: The court's electronic case management system provides access to case information through the court's official website. Users should note that for civil cases, the final three letters from the case number must be removed before searching.

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate courthouse to request records in person:

   • Civil Records: Room 102
   • Criminal Records: Room 401
   • Family Law Records: Room 201
   • Probate Records: Room 300

3. Archives Department: For older cases, the Archives Department maintains non-confidential files. Staff will retrieve requested files and provide copies for a fee.

4. Case Index Ordering: For bulk record requests, the court offers case index ordering services in accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 2.503.

Public counter hours for all departments are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding court holidays. Fees for copies are established pursuant to Government Code § 70627 and are subject to change.

How To Look Up Court Records in Fresno County Online?

The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno provides electronic access to court records through its online portal. This system allows members of the public to search for case information without visiting the courthouse. To utilize this service, individuals should:

1. Navigate to the Case Information portal on the court's website.

2. Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family Law, Probate, or Small Claims).

3. Enter the required search criteria, which may include:

   • Case number (note that for civil cases, users must remove the final three letters from the case number)
   • Party name
   • Filing date range

4. Review the search results, which typically include basic case information such as:

   • Case number
   • Filing date
   • Case type
   • Party names
   • Hearing dates
   • Case status

For more detailed information, including document images, users may need to create an account and pay applicable fees. Access to certain documents may be restricted based on confidentiality requirements established by California Rules of Court, rule 2.503(c).

The online system is generally available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, except during scheduled maintenance periods. Technical support is available by contacting the court at (559) 457-4943 between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on business days.

Can You Search Fresno County Court Records for Free?

The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno provides limited free access to basic court record information. In accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 2.506, which governs electronic access to court records, the following search options are available without charge:

• Basic case information searches through the court's public access terminals located in the courthouse
• Limited online searches for case numbers and upcoming court dates
• Calendar information for scheduled hearings

However, comprehensive searches and document retrieval typically involve fees:

• Document copies: $0.50 per page pursuant to Government Code § 70627(a)
• Certification of documents: $40.00 per document pursuant to Government Code § 70626(a)(4)
• Search fees: $15.00 for searches requiring more than 10 minutes of staff time pursuant to Government Code § 70627(c)

The court also offers subscription-based services for frequent users and bulk data requests as outlined in the Case Index Ordering section of the court's website. These services are provided in accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 2.503(f), which addresses bulk distribution of electronic court records.

What's Included in a Fresno County Court Record?

Court records maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. Pursuant to California Government Code § 68151, which defines the components of court records, these files typically include:

• Register of actions (docket): A chronological list of all proceedings and filings
• Filed pleadings and documents: Complaints, petitions, motions, responses, and other formal papers
• Court orders and judgments: Official decisions and directives issued by the court
• Minute orders: Brief records of court proceedings and actions
• Transcripts: Verbatim records of oral proceedings when prepared
• Evidence: Exhibits and other materials admitted during proceedings
• Notices: Communications regarding hearings, deadlines, and other procedural matters
• Jury information: Voir dire questions, instructions, and verdict forms (in applicable cases)
• Case management information: Scheduling, status conferences, and administrative details

The specific contents of a court record vary depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed pursuant to California Rules of Court, rules 2.550-2.551, which establish procedures for protecting confidential information within court records.

How Long Does Fresno County Keep Court Records?

The retention of court records in Fresno County is governed by Government Code § 68152 and California Rules of Court, rule 10.856, which establish minimum retention periods for various types of court records. The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno adheres to these requirements:

• Civil unlimited cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Limited civil cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
• Felony cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in imprisonment; otherwise 75 years
• Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
• Juvenile dependency: Until the subject reaches age 28
• Juvenile delinquency: Until the subject reaches age 38
• Family law: 30 years for marriage dissolution; 10 years for other family law matters
• Probate: Permanent retention for estate administration; 10 years for guardianships and conservatorships

After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Archives Department or destroyed in accordance with applicable laws. The court maintains a microfilm or electronic copy of many destroyed records. Members of the public seeking older records should contact the Archives Department at (559) 457-1900 to determine availability.

Types of Courts In Fresno County

Fresno County's judicial system encompasses multiple court types, each with distinct jurisdictions and functions:

Superior Court of California, County of Fresno
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 457-2000
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno

The Superior Court handles the majority of cases and is divided into specialized divisions:

• Civil Division: Handles general civil litigation, small claims, and unlawful detainers
• Criminal Division: Processes felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions
• Family Law Division: Oversees divorce, child custody, support, and domestic violence matters
• Juvenile Division: Addresses dependency and delinquency cases
• Probate Division: Manages estates, conservatorships, and guardianships

Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District
2424 Ventura Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 445-5491
Fifth District Court of Appeal

This court reviews appeals from Superior Court decisions in Fresno and eight other central California counties.

United States District Court, Eastern District of California - Fresno Division
2500 Tulare Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 499-5600
Eastern District of California

This federal court handles cases involving federal law, constitutional questions, and disputes between parties from different states.

What Types of Cases Do Fresno County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno adjudicates a wide range of case types pursuant to its jurisdiction under the California Constitution, Article VI, Section 10. The court's caseload encompasses:

Civil Cases

• Unlimited civil (claims exceeding $25,000)
• Limited civil (claims of $25,000 or less)
• Small claims (disputes up to $10,000)
• Unlawful detainer (eviction proceedings)
• Civil harassment restraining orders
• Name changes and gender recognition petitions

Criminal Cases

• Felonies (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year)
• Misdemeanors (lesser offenses typically punishable by up to one year in jail)
• Infractions (minor violations usually punishable by fines)
• Traffic violations
• Domestic violence cases

Family Law Matters

• Divorce and legal separation
• Child custody and visitation
• Child and spousal support
• Domestic violence restraining orders
• Paternity establishment
• Adoption proceedings

Probate Matters

• Decedent estate administration
• Conservatorships for adults
• Guardianships for minors
• Trust administration
• Elder abuse prevention

Juvenile Proceedings

• Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
• Delinquency cases (juvenile offenses)

Case assignment is determined by subject matter and filing location, with specialized departments handling specific case types to ensure efficient processing and appropriate expertise.

How To Find a Court Docket In Fresno County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access Fresno County court dockets through several methods:

1. Online Case Information System: The Superior Court's website provides access to docket information for most case types. Users must know the case number or party name to conduct a search. For civil cases, users should remove the final three letters from the case number before searching.

2. Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals located in the courthouse lobbies allow visitors to search for and view docket information without charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

3. Clerk's Office: Court staff can assist with docket searches upon request at the appropriate division:

   • Civil Records: Room 102
   • Criminal Records: Room 401
   • Family Law Records: Room 201
   • Probate Records: Room 300

4. Case Index Ordering: For bulk docket information, the court offers case index ordering services for authorized users pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.503(f).

Docket information typically includes case numbers, party names, attorney information, filing dates, document titles, hearing dates, and case disposition. Access to certain docket information may be restricted for confidential or sealed cases in accordance with California Rules of Court, rules 2.550-2.551.

Which Courts in Fresno County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Fresno County, as throughout California, all judicial proceedings now take place within the unified Superior Court system, which is a court of record as established by the California Constitution, Article VI, Section 1. Following the court unification that occurred in 1998 pursuant to Proposition 220, the previously existing municipal and justice courts, which were not always courts of record, were merged into the Superior Court.

However, certain administrative hearings and tribunals operating in Fresno County are not courts of record:

• Small Claims Division of the Superior Court (while part of the Superior Court, small claims proceedings are not recorded verbatim)
• Administrative hearings conducted by county agencies
• School district disciplinary proceedings
• Certain alternative dispute resolution proceedings, including:
  • Mediation sessions
  • Non-binding arbitration
  • Early neutral evaluation

These non-record proceedings typically do not produce verbatim transcripts of proceedings, though they may generate written decisions or summaries. Appeals from these forums generally result in de novo review (new hearing) rather than review of a record.

It should be noted that while small claims proceedings are not recorded verbatim, the Small Claims Division does maintain records of judgments and orders, which are accessible through the same channels as other Superior Court records.

Lookup Court Records in Fresno County

Search case information online

Access archived court records

Order case indexes in bulk

Find Fresno Superior Court information

Visit the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno

Access Fifth District Court of Appeal records

Search federal court records for Eastern District of California