The Sacramento County Superior Court serves as the primary trial court for Sacramento County, California. It handles a broad array of legal matters, ensuring justice for residents across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. This court system is where most legal disputes begin and are resolved within the county. The mission of the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, is to provide fair, equal, and impartial access to justice by resolving and adjudicating legal matters to ensure and protect fundamental rights for all.
The Sacramento County Superior Court is a court of general jurisdiction, meaning it possesses the authority to hear nearly all types of cases. Whether a case involves civil disagreements, criminal charges, family law issues, or probate proceedings, these matters typically start in this court. The court plays a vital role in upholding the law and providing a forum for legal disputes to be heard and decided.
Sacramento Superior Court Locations and Departments
The Sacramento Superior Court operates across several locations, each specializing in different case types to streamline court operations and better serve the public. These courthouses are central to the administration of justice in Sacramento County.
- Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse: Located at 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. This courthouse handles Civil and Criminal cases. The main phone number for Civil is (916) 874-5522, and for Criminal is (916) 874-5744.
- Carol Miller Justice Center: Found at 301 Bicentennial Circle, Sacramento, CA 95826. This center primarily manages Small Claims, Unlawful Detainer (landlord/tenant disputes), and Traffic cases. The phone number for Small Claims and Unlawful Detainer is (916) 875-7746, and for Traffic is (916) 875-7800. The court has expanded operating hours for traffic, small claims, and unlawful detainer cases at this location as part of a pilot program, adding calendars at 7:15 AM and 4:15 PM, and closing on Fridays.
- William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse: Situated at 3341 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826. This courthouse is dedicated to Family Law matters, including divorce, child custody, and domestic violence restraining orders, as well as Probate cases. The main phone number is (916) 875-3400.
- Sacramento County Superior Court – Juvenile Courthouse: Located at 9605 Kiefer Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95827. This location handles Juvenile Justice and Juvenile Dependency cases. The phone number is (916) 876-7753. Effective January 20, 2026, all Dependency Matters are heard here.
- Lorenzo Patiño Hall of Justice: Positioned at 651 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. This location primarily deals with Criminal (County Main Jail) matters. The phone number is (916) 874-6936.
It is important to note that downtown court operations will relocate to a new building at 500 G Street in April 2026.
Types of Cases Handled by the Court
The Sacramento County Superior Court addresses a wide spectrum of legal issues, categorized into several key areas:
- Civil Cases: These involve disputes between individuals or organizations seeking monetary damages or specific actions. This category includes unlimited civil cases (over $25,000), limited civil cases (under $25,000), and small claims cases (under $12,500).
- Criminal Cases: These cases deal with alleged violations of criminal law, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Felony cases may result in state prison time, fines, or the death penalty, while misdemeanors typically involve fines and/or county jail sentences.
- Family Law Matters: This division handles legal issues related to families, such as marriage dissolution or annulment, child custody, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders.
- Probate Cases: These involve matters concerning estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trusts.
- Juvenile Cases: This specialized department deals with legal matters involving minors, including juvenile delinquency and dependency cases.
- Traffic Cases: This section addresses traffic citations, driving violations, and related offenses. Contesting traffic tickets became easier at the Sacramento Superior Court in December 2025, with options for online trials by declaration.
- Unlawful Detainer Cases: These involve landlord/tenant disagreements, specifically eviction proceedings.
Sacramento Superior Court Records
Public access to Sacramento Superior Court records is available, allowing individuals to research ongoing and past legal matters. The court provides various methods to obtain these records, both online and through traditional services.
Online Sacramento Court Case Lookup
The Sacramento Superior Court offers online resources for searching case information. These platforms make it simpler to find case details without needing to visit a courthouse in person.
- Public Case Access System (PCAS): This system allows users to search for criminal, family law, and traffic case information without an account. Users can search by party’s first and last name or case number for quicker results, and can also filter by filing date.
- Public Portal: This portal provides online access to case information and documents for Probate cases filed after February 5, 2007, and Civil cases filed after November 13, 2007. Users must register for an account to view civil, probate, small claims, and unlawful detainer cases. The portal allows searches by party names, case numbers, calendars, or case type and date. It also offers case activity notification requests, sending emails when new documents are added to a case. Civil tentative rulings and Probate Notes are available for viewing on the Public Portal.
As of February 2025, there are no fees for basic online searches or downloading documents from Sacramento Superior Court portals. However, the court restricts access to adoption records, sealed files, and pre-2007 civil and probate court records online. For cases and documents filed before 2007, physical files must be requested.
Sacramento Superior Court Docket Search
A court docket summarizes all actions during a legal proceeding, listing upcoming hearings, motions, decisions, and other important events. To view Sacramento County Superior Court dockets, individuals can use the Public Case Access System. By selecting the “Calendar Search” option under the Criminal and Family Law tabs, users can input a department and hearing date to retrieve results, including the hearing date and time, case number, appearance reason, attorney names, and defense type.
Requesting Certified Copies of Sacramento Court Records
For certified or exemplified copies of civil files or documents, requests can be made in person at the Civil Records Unit in the Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse (Room 102, Window 16). Alternatively, a Request for Copies of Civil Records (CVE-300) form can be completed and mailed with the appropriate fees to the Records Unit. Written requests typically take 4-6 weeks to complete and involve fees for copying, certifying, and research. The cost for copies is $0.50 per page, and $40 per certification.
Most civil court files are public records and can be viewed by anyone with valid picture identification. For documents filed before November 13, 2007, which are not available digitally, physical case files are kept at an off-site retention facility and take approximately 10 business days to be delivered to the main courthouse upon request.
Sacramento Criminal Case Records Search
To search for Sacramento criminal case records, individuals can submit a Local Criminal Records Name Search Request (CR-278A) form in person, by mail, or by email to CrimRecordsRequests@saccourt.ca.gov. A $15.00 fee per name applies for each search request, or $40.00 plus $15.00 per name for a certified search. The court researches Sacramento County criminal record information for cases dating from 1989 to the present. For cases older than 1989, public microfiche is available in the Criminal Records Unit in Room 101 at the Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse, or the California Department of Justice can be contacted. If a case number is known, copies can be requested by submitting a written request or the Local Criminal Records Copy Request form (CR-278C) by mail with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Filing a Civil Case in Sacramento Superior Court
Filing a civil case in the Sacramento Superior Court involves several steps, including preparing documents, understanding fees, and choosing a filing method.
Civil Case Filing Instructions
Civil documents can be filed electronically (e-Filed), mailed, brought in person, or placed in a designated drop box. Documents must comply with California Rules of Court, rule 2.100, and exhibits must be legible. An original and one copy must be submitted, and only one copy of each document will be conformed.
Filing locations for civil matters include the Civil Unit at 720 9th Street, Room 102, and Civil Law and Motion at 813 6th Street, 2nd Floor. Drop boxes are available in the 1st Floor Lobby (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Room 102 Lobby (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) at the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse. Documents placed in drop boxes before 5:00 p.m. on a court day are deemed filed that same day.
Civil Case Filing Fees
There are fees associated with starting a new civil lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court. The filing fee depends on the amount of money at stake in the case. For “Unlimited Civil” cases, where more than $25,000 is at stake, the filing fee is currently $435. For civil lawsuits under $25,000, the fee is tiered: $370 for cases from $10,000 to $25,000, and $225 for cases less than $10,000. These fees apply to both plaintiffs and defendants filing their first papers. The court’s fee schedule is updated periodically. A statewide civil fee schedule is available.
Sacramento Superior Court E-Filing Instructions
Electronic filing (e-Filing) is available for civil, probate, small claims, and unlawful detainer cases. E-filing documents occurs through a certified Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP). The filing party creates an account with an EFSP, uploads documents, and pays court fees and any service fees. The EFSP transmits documents and fees to the court. Once reviewed, documents are accepted or rejected, and endorsed copies are returned through the EFSP.
Self-represented litigants are not required to e-file but are encouraged to do so. As of July 1, 2024, e-filing became mandatory for attorneys in all civil cases handled at the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse and Hall of Justice Building. Documents must be submitted as individual, searchable PDFs, with only one lead document per filing. Electronic signatures are acceptable if they conform to CRC Rule 2.257 and CCP 1010.6. E-filings can be submitted 24 hours a day; documents received between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on a court day are deemed filed that same day if accepted.
Sacramento Traffic Ticket Lookup and Resolution
The Sacramento Superior Court handles traffic citations and offers options for looking up tickets, paying fines, and contesting violations.
Looking Up Traffic Tickets
To look up a traffic case or ticket, individuals can use the court’s public case access site. This online system allows for searching and paying traffic fines. It can take 30 days or more for the court to receive a citation from a law enforcement agency and enter it into the system. A reminder notice is mailed once the citation is filed.
Contesting Traffic Tickets
Individuals do not need to appear in court unless they want to contest a citation or if an appearance is required. Cases must be resolved on or before the court date listed on the citation.
One option for contesting citations is a “Written Trial by Declaration”. This allows defendants to contest infractions in writing or online without a personal court appearance. Online Written Trials by Declaration are available through the MyCitations portal, though physical or video evidence cannot be submitted this way. For physical evidence, hardcopy forms must be used. To qualify, violations must be vehicle code infractions only, with no accident involved, and no failure to appear or pay fine on the case.
For mandatory appearances, individuals can appear in person at the Carol Miller Justice Center Traffic Self-Service Kiosk in Room 100 or by video conference via Zoom. Arraignment hearings are held Monday through Thursday.
Ability to Pay for Traffic Tickets
If a person has difficulty paying a traffic ticket, they can ask the court for a reduction. Certain Sacramento County traffic cases with outstanding fines have been transferred to Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP for second-level collection. For assistance with these, individuals can call 1-844-566-6558.
Expunging Sacramento Criminal Records Process
California law allows for the dismissal of certain criminal cases from a person’s record, often referred to as “expungement,” though it does not truly seal the record. This process can significantly impact employment and housing opportunities.
Eligibility for Dismissal (Expungement)
Generally, a person may be eligible to request a dismissal if they have successfully completed probation and are not currently charged with a crime, on probation, or serving a sentence. Specific crimes, especially serious ones, might prevent eligibility. If probation was completed, it means all terms and conditions were met, including fines and community service, and no other laws were violated during probation. Early termination of probation can also make a person eligible.
The Dismissal Process
The process involves several steps:
- Gather Information: Collect necessary documents, including the case number, date of conviction, code section of the conviction (e.g., Penal Code 459.5), and a description of the code section. The conviction must have occurred in Sacramento County to file there.
- Complete Forms: Fill out Form CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal) and Form CR-181 (Order for Dismissal). These forms are available on the Sacramento Superior Court’s website. The CR-180 form requires an explanation to the court why dismissal should be granted, especially if probation was not completed for the entire term or if new crimes were committed.
- File Petition: Submit the petition to the criminal court that handled the case, either in person or by mail. The court typically responds within five months. The District Attorney’s Office does not handle expungement requests.
The filing fee depends on the county and whether the conviction was a felony or misdemeanor. Financial help with filing fees may be available for indigent individuals. The process can take 2 to 6 months once the petition is filed.
A dismissal under PC 1203.4 does not seal arrest or conviction records; the case will still appear on a background check but will show as dismissed. This allows a person to state on most job applications that they have not been convicted of a felony/crime. However, the conviction record still exists and can have certain effects, such as being considered a prior conviction in future criminal proceedings.
Public Records Request Sacramento County Courts
Sacramento County adheres to the California Public Records Act, which grants the public the right to inspect government records. The county has procedures to facilitate public access while protecting confidential information.
Making a Public Records Act Request
Anyone can initiate a request for public records. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or delivered in person using a PRA Request Form.
The county typically responds within 10 days to determine if disclosable records are in its possession. A 14-day extension may be required if there is a need to search for voluminous records, consult with other agencies, or compile data.
Cost of Public Records
There is no fee to inspect records. Emailed records are free of charge. Paper copies generally cost $0.05 per page.
Sacramento Superior Court E-Correspondence and Other Online Services
The Sacramento Superior Court offers additional online services and features to assist court users and legal professionals.
E-Correspondence (Family Law)
For family law matters, the court provides e-Correspondence services. Attorneys or self-represented litigants who are parties to a Family Law case can file a Family Law Case Participant Enrollment Form to create an account and subscribe to their case. This allows for automated notifications when new documents are filed and access to certain documents like Findings and Orders After Hearing, Minute Orders, and Mediator Reports.
Other Online Services
The court’s online services also include:
- Jury Service: Check reporting status, request excuses or postponements, and access general information.
- Court Calendar: Search case calendars for Civil, Criminal, Family Law, Juvenile, Probate, and Traffic cases.
- Schedule Online Appointments: Available for Family Law and Probate matters.
- Request a Court Reporter Transcript: A service to obtain official transcripts of court proceedings.
- Trial Readiness Notifications: Civil and Criminal Trial Readiness Notifications are available.
- Restraining Orders eDelivery: Electronic delivery options for Domestic Violence, Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse, and Gun Violence Restraining Orders.
Contacting the Sacramento Superior Court
The Sacramento Superior Court provides various contact methods for general inquiries and specific department needs.
Court Clerk Contact Information
General information for the Sacramento Superior Court can be obtained by calling (916) 874-5522. A phone directory is available on the court’s website with specific numbers for different departments. For example, the Civil department can be reached at (916) 874-5522, and Criminal at (916) 874-5744. The main phone number for the Sacramento Superior Court is (916) 875-8500.
For traffic matters, the Traffic Call Center can be reached at (916) 669-5712. Phone assistance for traffic cases is available Monday-Friday from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with reduced hours on some holidays.
Court Addresses and Hours
The main headquarters of the Sacramento Superior Court is located at 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Agency hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., excluding court holidays. Specific department hours may vary, so checking the court’s official website or phone directory is advisable.
- A list of court locations with their addresses and primary contact numbers is available on the court’s website.
- For in-person assistance with traffic matters, individuals can visit the Carol Miller Justice Center, Room 100, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Fridays and court holidays.
- Sacramento Superior Court 720 9th Street Sacramento, CA 95814
- Official Website: www.saccourt.ca.gov
- Phone: (916) 875-8500
- General Agency Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (excluding court holidays)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sacramento County Superior Court
Many people have questions about how the Sacramento County Superior Court operates and how to interact with the court system. This section addresses some common inquiries to provide clarity.
How does the Sacramento Superior Court differ from the California Supreme Court?
The Sacramento Superior Court is a trial court with general jurisdiction, meaning it is the first place where most legal disputes, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters, are heard within Sacramento County. It is considered a “lower court” in the state judicial structure. In contrast, the California Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, serving as a court of last resort. It reviews decisions appealed from the Courts of Appeal and decides which cases to hear, focusing on legal interpretation rather than factual trials. The US Supreme Court holds a similar role as the highest court in the country, handling disputes among states and issues concerning federal law and the US Constitution.
Are all Sacramento Superior Court records available online?
While many Sacramento Superior Court records are available online through platforms like the Public Case Access System (PCAS) and the Public Portal, not all records can be viewed digitally. The Public Portal provides access to Civil cases filed after November 13, 2007, and Probate cases filed after February 5, 2007. Other case types, such as Criminal, Family Law, and Traffic, offer limited information online. Records like adoption records, sealed files, and civil and probate cases filed before 2007 are generally restricted from online viewing and may require in-person requests or mail-in applications for physical files. The court aims for accuracy but notes that errors can occur, and users are responsible for how they use the information.
What should I do if my traffic ticket requires a mandatory court appearance?
If your traffic citation indicates a mandatory court appearance, you must resolve your case on or before the due date listed on your citation. You have the option to appear in person or by video conference via Zoom. To appear in person, you report to the Carol Miller Justice Center Traffic Self-Service Kiosk in Room 100 to check in. For video appearances, you can check in with a clerk at the Traffic Virtual Public Counter via Zoom. Arraignment hearings are held Monday through Thursday, with specific morning and afternoon sessions. It is crucial to have your case number and a picture identification card ready. Failing to appear can lead to increased bail, civil assessment, a hold on your driver’s license, or an arrest warrant.
Can I file all types of court documents electronically with the Sacramento Superior Court?
The Sacramento Superior Court has expanded its electronic filing (e-Filing) system to include civil, probate, small claims, and unlawful detainer cases. While e-filing is encouraged for self-represented litigants, it became mandatory for attorneys in all civil cases handled at the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse and Hall of Justice Building as of July 1, 2024. However, some documents are exempt from e-filing, such as those submitted by arbitrators, mediators, certain peremptory challenges, out-of-county abstracts of judgment, and documents attached to a Notice of Lodging. These exempt documents must be submitted in person, by drop box, or by mail. It is important to consult the court’s official e-filing guidelines and FAQs for a comprehensive list of what can and cannot be e-filed.
What is the process for reducing a felony to a misdemeanor in Sacramento County?
The process for reducing a felony to a misdemeanor in Sacramento County typically occurs as part of a post-conviction relief effort, often alongside a request for dismissal (expungement). This action is usually sought under Penal Code 17(b). To be eligible, the felony must be a “wobbler” offense, meaning it could have been charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. The court will consider factors such as the nature of the crime, your criminal history, and whether you have successfully completed probation. You would generally file a petition with the court, which may include Form CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal). You must explain to the court why the reduction should be granted. Legal counsel is often beneficial to navigate the requirements and present a compelling case to the judge.
How long does it take to get an expungement (dismissal) in Sacramento County?
The time it takes to get a criminal record dismissed (often called “expungement”) in Sacramento County can vary. Once the petition for dismissal is filed with the court, the process generally takes between 2 to 6 months to complete. This timeframe can depend on several factors, including the court’s current caseload, the complexity of your specific case, and whether all conditions of your probation have been met and verified. The court needs time to review the petition, potentially request statements from the citing agency, and for a judicial officer to make a decision. Ensuring all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted promptly can help avoid delays.
What is the difference between Public Case Access System (PCAS) and the Public Portal?
Both the Public Case Access System (PCAS) and the Public Portal are online tools provided by the Sacramento Superior Court to search for case information, but they offer different levels of access and types of information. PCAS provides free access to criminal, family, and traffic case information, allowing searches by name or case number. It focuses on basic case participant and event information. The Public Portal, on the other hand, offers more detailed access, including documents for Civil and Probate cases filed after certain dates (November 13, 2007, for Civil; February 5, 2007, for Probate). Users typically need to register for an account on the Public Portal to view civil, probate, small claims, and unlawful detainer cases, and to receive case activity notifications. The Public Portal also hosts civil tentative rulings and probate notes.