San Mateo court records are official documents that hold details about legal cases handled within San Mateo County. These records include a wide array of materials, from initial filings and motions to evidence submitted, trial transcripts, and final judgments. They serve to document and preserve all actions and decisions made during legal proceedings. Individuals seeking San Mateo court records can expect to find facts about the people involved in a case, a timeline of legal steps, and the final outcome of the court’s review. These records are a critical part of California’s broader court record system.
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) gives the public the right to look at, inspect, or get copies of records kept by local government bodies in San Mateo County. This means most San Mateo court records are public. Still, some records or parts of them are not open to everyone. This is due to specific laws designed to protect privacy or sensitive details. Examples of these restricted records include sealed documents, juvenile cases, and reports on a defendant’s mental health.
How to Search San Mateo Court Records
Looking for San Mateo court records involves several options. You can search online through official court databases, visit a courthouse in person, or send a request by mail. The method you choose may depend on the type of record you need and how quickly you need it.
Online Searches for San Mateo Court Records
Many San Mateo court records are available online. The San Mateo County Superior Court offers public access websites for this purpose. These online tools allow people to look up cases from their computers.
- MIDX – San Mateo County Superior Court Records Index: This tool helps people search for civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. You can search by case number, person’s name, business name, or filing date. It provides index information, like case numbers and party names.
- Odyssey Portal: This portal offers more case details and documents for appeals, civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic cases.
- Traffic Payment System: Traffic tickets can be viewed through the court’s traffic payment system.
If you do not know the exact case name or number, you can start with a broad search on MIDX. The system will show a range of cases that match your information.
In-Person Searches for San Mateo Court Records
For those who prefer to search in person, or for records not available online, visiting the courthouse is an option. Public access computers are available in the lobby of the Records Management Division of the San Mateo County Superior Court. Appointments are often suggested for in-person visits.
- Records Management Division: Hall of Justice and Records, 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A, Redwood City, CA 94063. Phone: (650) 261-5100. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by appointment only.
Mail-In Requests for San Mateo Court Records
If you cannot visit the court in person, you can send a request by mail. To do this, you need to send a letter with specific details to the Records Management Division.
Your mail request should include:
- The case number.
- Names of parties involved.
- An approximate date the document was filed or a description of the document.
- A self-addressed, postage-paid envelope.
- A blank check made out to “Superior Court” with a “Not to exceed” amount written on the memo line. The court will fill in the correct amount.
The Records Management Division will respond to your request within 30 days.
Types of San Mateo County Court Records
San Mateo County court records cover many different types of legal matters. These include criminal, civil, family law, probate, and small claims cases. Each type of record has its own process for searching and access.
San Mateo County Criminal Records Search
San Mateo County criminal records contain details about arrests and criminal court cases. The California Public Records allows public access to much of this information. This includes the name of the person arrested, date of birth, physical description, and booking details.
Accessing Criminal Records
To get San Mateo County criminal records, you can contact the Records Division of the San Mateo Police Department or the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
- San Mateo Police Department: Requests can be made in person (with a government-issued ID), by fax, by mail, or online through their public records request page. Some records might need the subject’s written permission, fingerprints, and a processing fee.
- San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office: Public records requests can be submitted through their website form, by email, mail, or in person at one of their counters. They also provide an online portal for crime mapping and arrest data.
San Mateo County Criminal Court Case Lookup
For criminal court case files, you can visit or mail requests to the Criminal Division of the Records Management Office.
- Criminal Division: Hall of Justice, 400 County Center, 4th Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063. Phone: (650) 261-5200. Office and phone hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Online tools like the MIDX – San Mateo Superior Court Index and the Odyssey Portal also help in looking up criminal case records by person, case number, or filing date.
San Mateo County Civil Court Records
San Mateo County civil court records relate to non-criminal matters. These cases cover contracts, personal injury claims, property disputes, small claims, and eviction cases. Such records include party details, evidence, court orders, and judgments.
To get San Mateo County civil court records, use the MIDX – San Mateo Superior Court Index to search by party names, case numbers, or filing dates. The Odyssey Portal also provides access to civil case files and documents. You can also visit or mail requests to the Records Management Division.
San Mateo County Family Court Records
San Mateo County family court records involve matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence. The San Mateo County Superior Court handles these cases. While many family court records are public, some are kept private to protect personal information. Examples of confidential cases include adoption records and juvenile court records.
You can get family court records in person, by mail, or online. To visit in person, schedule an appointment at the Southern Branch.
- Southern Branch: 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063. Phone: (650) 261-5100.
Mail requests for family cases should go to the Records Management Division, including case details and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The MIDX-Public Records Index and the Odyssey Portal are also available for online searches of family case information and documents.
San Mateo County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Records for the dissolution of marriage (divorce) in San Mateo County are managed by the Records Management Division of the San Mateo County Superior Court. You can contact them in person or by mail. The MIDX Public Records Index and the Odyssey Portal can also help in finding these records online.
San Mateo County Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage records in San Mateo County are kept by the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Divorce records are maintained by the San Mateo County Superior Court.
- Marriage Records: To get a copy of a marriage record, complete the “Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Record” form. Submit it in person or by mail to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office at 555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063. The fee for a copy is $17 for the public.
- Divorce Records: Visit the clerk’s office of the San Mateo County Superior Court’s Southern Branch by appointment, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mail requests for certified copies of marriage dissolution records go to the Records Management Division. A certified copy costs $15.00.
San Mateo County Birth and Death Records
San Mateo County birth and death records are vital records used for official purposes like passport applications or insurance claims. The San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office holds these records.
To get a birth or death certificate, fill out the correct application form (“Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record” or “Application for Certified Copy of Death Record”). Submit it in person by appointment or by mail to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office at 555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063. Fees are $32 for birth records and $24 for death records for the general public. Only authorized persons can get copies of these certificates, such as the person named on the record, their parents, or legal guardians.
San Mateo County Probate Court Records
San Mateo County probate court records involve cases about estates, guardianships, trusts, and elder abuse. These cases are handled at the Southern Branch courthouse of the San Mateo County Superior Court. The San Mateo Superior Court Clerk is the custodian of probate records.
To get copies, schedule an appointment and visit the clerk’s office in person, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Hall of Justice, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. Mail requests can also be sent to the Records Management Division.
San Mateo County Property Records
San Mateo County property records show details about real estate, including ownership, mortgages, and liens. The County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder’s Office keeps these records.
You can search for San Mateo County real estate records online through the Grantee-Grantor Database. You can also get copies by sending written requests with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Another option is to schedule an appointment and visit in person. Fees for recorded document copies are available on their website.
San Mateo Court Records Fees
Fees for San Mateo court records vary depending on the type of record and service. It is important to check the current fee schedule before making a request.
Common fees include:
- Copies of any record: $0.50 per page.
- Certified copies of marriage dissolution records: $15.00.
- Certifying a copy of any paper on file: $40.00.
- Searching records for longer than 10 minutes: $15.00.
- Getting a file stored off-site: $10.00.
For marriage records, a copy costs $17 for the public. Birth records are $32 and death records are $24 for the public.
San Mateo Record Expungement Process
The San Mateo record expungement process allows people to have certain criminal convictions dismissed. This can improve chances for jobs or housing. An expungement means the court reopens a case, sets aside the conviction, and dismisses it. After this, in most situations, you can state that you do not have a criminal conviction.
Eligibility for Expungement
Not all convictions can be expunged. To be eligible, you generally must meet certain conditions:
- Your conviction must fit specific California Penal Code guidelines.
- At least one year must have passed since your conviction.
- You must have finished the terms of your sentence.
- You cannot be serving a sentence, on probation, or facing new criminal charges.
- Your probation for the conviction must not have been revoked and not reinstated.
Recent changes in Senate Bill 731 (effective 2023) expanded eligibility for record dismissal to people who served a prison sentence, even for some serious felonies, with exceptions for certain sex-related offenses.
Steps for Expungement
The process involves several steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm you meet the conditions for expungement.
- Get Criminal Record/Case Summary: You will need a copy of your criminal record for each conviction you want to expunge. This can be retrieved from the Criminal Clerk office at the Hall of Justice.
- Complete Forms: Fill out the “Petition for Dismissal (CR-180)” and “Order for Dismissal (CR-181)” forms.
- Serve Forms: Make a copy of your filled-out forms and bring both copies to the District Attorney’s office in Redwood City for stamping. One set will be returned to you.
- File Forms: Bring the stamped copy to the criminal department to file it.
For most people, a court hearing is not needed if all requirements are met. The process can take 30 to 90 days. The California Department of Justice may automatically seal some nonviolent felony convictions if no new offenses occurred in four years.
It is often helpful to consult with an attorney specializing in expungement to ensure all paperwork is correct and to avoid delays.
San Mateo Traffic Ticket Lookup
If you have a traffic ticket in San Mateo County, you can look it up and manage it through the San Mateo County Superior Court Traffic Division. The court sends a “Notice of Bail” within 30 days of your citation, which has details about your fine, payment due date, and traffic school options.
You can pay your traffic ticket online, request a fine reduction, or reserve a court date if you need to appear. If you have not received a Notice of Bail, contact the court’s Traffic Division.
- Traffic Division Contact: Phone: (650) 363-4300 or (650) 261-5100 option 5. Phone and office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Online Payment: You can pay your traffic fines online through the Superior Court’s website. Parking citations may be managed through services like PTicket.com.
Failing to resolve a citation or appear in court by the due date can lead to additional charges, civil assessments, and a hold on your driver’s license by the DMV.
San Mateo Courthouse Addresses and Hours
The San Mateo County Superior Court operates at several locations, each handling different types of cases.
- Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records
400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063
Handles Civil, Criminal, Family Law, Probate, Records Management, and Small Claims.
Phone: (650) 261-5100 (Civil, Family Law, Probate, Small Claims), (650) 261-5200 (Criminal)
Office Hours: Civil, Family Law, Probate, Small Claims: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (by appointment). Criminal Division: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Records Management Counter: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (by appointment). - Northern Branch
1050 Mission Road, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Handles Criminal, Family Law Facilitators, and Traffic.
Phone: (650) 261-5080 (Family Court Services), (650) 363-4300 (Traffic)
Office Hours: Criminal: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Traffic: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Central Branch
800 North Humboldt Street, San Mateo, CA 94401
Courthouse is open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (no on-site court clerk’s office or drop box).
Phone: (650) 363-4300 (Traffic) - Juvenile Branch
222 Paul Scannell Drive, San Mateo, CA 94402
Handles Juvenile Delinquency, Dependency, and Adoptions.
Phone: (650) 261-5100
Clerk’s Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
It is advisable to check the official court website or call ahead for the most current hours and appointment requirements.
Additional San Mateo County Public Records
Beyond court records, San Mateo County offers access to other public records through various government agencies. The California Public Records Act ensures transparency across many types of government documents.
San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
The County Clerk-Recorder’s Office maintains an archive of legally recordable transactions and issues vital records. This includes deeds, maps related to property sales, commercial financing statements, and mechanic’s liens.
- Address: 555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063.
- Phone: (650) 363-4500.
- Services: Recording property transactions, issuing birth, death, and marriage certificates, issuing marriage licenses, and filing fictitious business name statements.
- Online Search: Grantee-Grantor Database for property documents recorded since 1985.
San Mateo Police Department
The San Mateo Police Department’s Records Division handles requests for police reports and arrest information.
- Address: 200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403.
- Phone: (650) 522-7710 (Records Unit).
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Online Services: Public records request center for crime reports and other services.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
The Sheriff’s Office manages criminal records, including arrest data and reports.
- Redwood City Main Office: 330 Bradford Street, Redwood City, CA 94063.
- Phone: (650) 363-4525.
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Online Services: Public records request form and a transparency portal for crime and arrest data.
For general public records requests for the County of San Mateo, you can complete the Public Records Act (PRA) Request form. This form can be submitted by email, mail, or in person at the Permit Counter.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Mateo Court Records
This section answers frequently asked questions about public records, court records, arrest records, and probate information, helping users understand how to search, access, and review official documents efficiently. Learn about record availability, public access rules, search procedures, and the types of information typically included in these records.
What is the difference between San Mateo County Superior Court and District Court records?
California operates a three-tier court system. This includes the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and the Superior Courts. The Superior Courts serve as trial courts. In San Mateo County, the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo, handles all types of cases. This means there is no separate “District Court” in San Mateo County for local cases. All requests for San Mateo court records should go to the Superior Court or its related departments. This structure ensures that all local legal matters, whether criminal, civil, family, or probate, are managed under one court system within the county. The Superior Court is the central point for all judicial activities and record keeping.
Can I access San Mateo court records if they are sealed or confidential?
Generally, sealed or confidential San Mateo court records are not available to the public. The court restricts remote viewing of certain case types to protect personal details and the integrity of these records. Examples include juvenile delinquency and dependency records, adoption records, and domestic violence case files. While the public can view most court files, these specific types are protected by statutory provisions. If a record is sealed or confidential, it means that access is limited to specific parties involved in the case or by court order. For such records, direct inquiry with the court’s records division may be needed, and even then, access is not guaranteed without a legal right or court approval.
How far back do San Mateo court records go online?
The availability of San Mateo court records online depends on when the cases were filed and the court’s digitization efforts. The MIDX – San Mateo County Superior Court Records Index often includes cases filed after 2000 for viewing filed documents and court date information. For criminal cases filed before 1993, you may need to contact the Criminal Court Clerk’s Office directly for information. While the court aims to make more records available digitally, older cases, especially those from before the widespread use of electronic systems, might only be available by visiting the courthouse in person or by submitting a mail request. The online portals provide current index information and documents for many newer cases, but older archives may require a physical search.
What details do I need to search for San Mateo court records by name?
To search San Mateo court records by name, you need the full names of the parties involved in the case. For civil cases, either the defendant’s or plaintiff’s name is usually enough. For criminal cases, the defendant’s full name is typically required. When using online search tools like MIDX, entering the first and last names helps narrow down results. Providing a case number, if known, can make the search much faster and more accurate. If you do not have the exact case name, a broader search can return cases that closely match the provided information. This allows you to then identify the specific case you are looking for. The more precise the name details you provide, the better the search outcome will be.
Can I get copies of San Mateo court transcripts?
Yes, you can request copies of San Mateo court transcripts. Transcripts are official written records of what was said in court during a trial or hearing. To get these, you would typically need to contact the court’s Records Management Division. The process usually involves submitting a request, often with specific case details like the case number and the date of the proceeding. There are fees associated with obtaining transcripts, which can vary based on the length of the transcript and whether you need certified copies. It is recommended to contact the Records Management Division directly to learn about the exact procedure, current fees, and any forms required for transcript requests.
How long does it take to process a mail request for San Mateo court records?
When you send a mail request for San Mateo court records to the Records Management Division, the court aims to process and respond to your request within 30 days of receiving it. This timeframe allows the court staff to locate, prepare, and send out the requested documents. To help ensure a timely response, include all necessary details in your request, such as the case number, names of parties, and a clear description of the documents you need. Also, remember to include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope and a blank check with a “Not to exceed” amount. Missing information or incomplete payment details can cause delays in processing your request.
Are there legal aid resources for San Mateo County residents needing help with court records?
Yes, San Mateo County residents can find legal aid resources to help with court records and other legal questions. For general legal questions, you can contact the San Mateo County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service. They can help you connect with attorneys who might assist with your specific needs. If you are dealing with criminal matters and need to contact a private defender, the Private Defender Program is available. They can screen you for eligibility for post-conviction cases, including record dismissal. Additionally, the San Mateo County Law Library offers resources and guides, such as on how to expunge a criminal record, which can be a starting point for self-help.