California Criminal Court Records

Limited online access does not settle court-file access

For California criminal cases, public remote access generally covers calendars, indexes and registers of actions; other public electronic case documents normally must be viewed at the courthouse. A judge may permit remote documents in an exceptional high-public-interest criminal case. Parties and their attorneys can use fuller remote access when the court provides it; not every court can provide that service. Sealed or confidential records are not opened to the public by either route. Select the court where the case was filed, use its case lookup and retain the case number. For available documents, use that court’s copy process in person, by mail or online where offered. Confidential records require proof of access rights.

Before ordering, ask the recipient whether an ordinary copy will do or a certified copy is required. Give the clerk a party name or case number, the filing year if known, and the specific document needed; follow that court’s request and delivery instructions.

The California Courts copy guide, checked October 2, 2026, lists regular copies as typically $0.50 per one-sided page and certified copies at $40 per document. A search taking the clerk more than 10 minutes may carry a $15 search fee. Ask the local clerk to confirm the total and any applicable exception before payment; this is not a fixed all-in quote for a criminal file.

The same guide says copies are free with a fee waiver and notes free orders for parties in some case types, such as restraining-order cases. Do not assume that example applies to every criminal request. Older off-site records can take weeks; confirm timing with the court if you have a deadline.