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Placer County Court Records

What Is Placer County Court Records

Court records in Placer County encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and legal matters processed through the Placer County judicial system. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as:

  • Property records (deeds, liens, assessments)
  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
  • Business licenses and permits
  • County administrative records

In Placer County, court records are maintained by several courts within the jurisdiction:

  • Superior Court of California, County of Placer (handling civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters)
  • Traffic Division
  • Small Claims Court
  • Family Court Services

As defined under California Government Code § 68150, court records include "all filed papers and documents in court cases, administrative records, and electronic records." These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters handled within the county's jurisdiction.

Are Court Records Public In Placer County

Court records in Placer County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48) 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 public business.

Records that are typically available for public inspection include:

  • Most civil case files
  • Criminal case files (post-charging)
  • Judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets
  • Hearing schedules
  • Court calendars

However, certain records may be restricted from public access or partially redacted to protect privacy, safety, or other compelling interests. According to California Rules of Court, rule 2.550, records may be sealed when there is an overriding interest that overcomes the right of public access. Categories of restricted records often include:

  • Juvenile court records
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Certain family court matters
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Documents containing confidential personal identifiers

The Judicial Council of California establishes statewide policies governing public access to court records, while individual courts may have supplemental local rules regarding record access procedures.

How To Find Court Records in Placer County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Placer County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently provides multiple pathways for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
  2. Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
  3. Provide case number or party names for record identification
  4. Pay applicable search and copy fees
  5. Wait for staff to retrieve records (same-day service for simple requests)

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a written request to the Placer County Superior Court
  2. Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
  3. Specify documents needed and purpose of request
  4. Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
  5. Enclose payment for applicable fees

Online Access:

  1. Visit the Placer County Superior Court website
  2. Navigate to the case information or records section
  3. Register for an account if required
  4. Search by case number, party name, or filing date
  5. Pay any applicable online access fees
  6. Download available documents

Mail Requests:

Superior Court of California, County of Placer
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Placer County Superior Court

When requesting records, individuals should provide as much identifying information as possible, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and document types. Fees for searching and copying records are established pursuant to Government Code § 70627.

How To Look Up Court Records in Placer County Online?

Placer County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources provide convenient methods for locating case information without visiting the courthouse in person.

Placer County Superior Court Case Index:

  1. Navigate to the Placer County Superior Court website
  2. Select "Case Information" from the main menu
  3. Choose the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
  4. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
  5. Review search results for basic case information
  6. Note that complete case documents may require in-person requests

California Courts Self-Help Portal:

  1. Access the California Courts Self-Help website
  2. Select "Find Your Court Case"
  3. Choose Placer County from the jurisdiction list
  4. Enter required search parameters
  5. View available case information and status updates

Domain Web Portal (for certain case types):

  1. Visit the Domain Web Portal
  2. Register for an account or log in
  3. Select the appropriate case type
  4. Enter search criteria
  5. Pay applicable access fees if required
  6. View or download available documents

When using online systems, users should note that:

  • Not all court records are available electronically
  • Some documents may be viewable only as summaries or register of actions
  • Confidential or sealed records are not accessible online
  • Electronic access may be limited by California Rules of Court, rule 2.503
  • User registration may be required for certain portals
  • Access fees may apply for document retrieval or printing

How To Search Placer County Court Records for Free?

California law guarantees the public's right to inspect judicial records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to Government Code § 68150(l), "Unless access is otherwise restricted by law, court records created, maintained, preserved, or reproduced under this section shall be made reasonably accessible to all members of the public."

Free access options in Placer County include:

In-Person Inspection:

  • Visit the appropriate courthouse during business hours
  • Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
  • Examine documents on-site at no charge
  • Pay only if copies are requested

Superior Court of California, County of Placer - Roseville Courthouse
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Placer County Superior Court

Superior Court of California, County of Placer - Auburn Courthouse
2501 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 562-8900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Placer County Superior Court

Free Online Resources:

Public access terminals are also available at courthouse locations for searching electronic records at no charge. These terminals provide access to case indexes, registers of actions, and certain court documents that may not be available through external websites.

What's Included in a Placer County Court Record?

Court records in Placer County contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. The content of these records is governed by California Rules of Court, rule 2.550 and local court rules.

Civil Case Records typically include:

  • Complaint or petition
  • Summons and proof of service
  • Answers or responses
  • Motions and supporting documents
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Judgment or dismissal
  • Appeal documents (if applicable)
  • Register of actions (chronological case summary)

Criminal Case Records generally contain:

  • Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
  • Arraignment records
  • Bail or bond information
  • Pretrial motions and responses
  • Plea agreements
  • Trial transcripts (if requested)
  • Verdict forms
  • Sentencing documents
  • Probation reports (may be confidential)
  • Appeal documents (if applicable)

Family Law Records typically include:

  • Petition for dissolution, legal separation, or nullity
  • Response to petition
  • Financial disclosures
  • Child custody and support documents
  • Spousal support orders
  • Property division agreements
  • Judgments
  • Domestic violence restraining orders

Probate Records generally contain:

  • Petition for probate or conservatorship
  • Will (if applicable)
  • Inventory and appraisal of assets
  • Creditor claims
  • Accounting reports
  • Distribution plans
  • Court orders
  • Letters of administration or testamentary

Each court record also includes a register of actions, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, appearances, proceedings, and court rulings in the case. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the case history and is typically available even when other documents may be restricted.

How Long Does Placer County Keep Court Records?

Placer County Superior Court retains court records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California under Government Code § 68152. Retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and outcome.

Criminal Case Records:

  • Capital felony cases (death penalty imposed): Permanent
  • Felony cases with life sentences: Permanent
  • Other felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
  • Misdemeanor cases: 5-10 years depending on offense type
  • Infractions: 3 years after final disposition

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 final disposition
  • Civil harassment restraining orders: 5 years after expiration
  • Unlawful detainer (eviction) cases: 1 year if defendant prevails, 3 years if plaintiff prevails

Family Law Records:

  • Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: Permanent for judgment and custody orders
  • Support enforcement: Until the youngest child reaches age 23
  • Domestic violence restraining orders: 5 years after expiration
  • Paternity actions: Permanent

Probate Records:

  • Decedent estates: Permanent for final order
  • Conservatorships and guardianships: Permanent
  • Trust proceedings: 10 years after final disposition

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed or archived according to court procedures. However, the court maintains a permanent register of actions for all cases, even after the underlying documents have been destroyed. Additionally, certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules.

Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to convert paper records to electronic format for improved long-term storage and accessibility, as authorized by Government Code § 68150.

Types of Courts In Placer County

Placer County's judicial system consists of several courts that handle different types of legal matters. The county operates within California's unified court system, with all courts functioning as divisions of the Superior Court of California, County of Placer.

Superior Court of California, County of Placer - Roseville Courthouse
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Placer County Superior Court

Divisions:

  • Civil Division
  • Criminal Division
  • Family Law Division
  • Probate Division
  • Juvenile Division
  • Traffic Division

Superior Court of California, County of Placer - Tahoe City Courthouse
2501 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 562-8900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Placer County Superior Court

Divisions:

  • Limited Civil Division
  • Criminal Division
  • Traffic Division

Superior Court of California, County of Placer - Historic Courthouse
101 Maple Street
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 886-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Placer County Superior Court

Divisions:

  • Historic Records
  • Ceremonial Functions

The California court hierarchy proceeds from Superior Courts (trial courts) to the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, and ultimately to the California Supreme Court. Federal cases from Placer County fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, located in Sacramento.

What Types of Cases Do Placer County Courts Hear?

Placer County Superior Court has jurisdiction over a wide range of legal matters arising within county boundaries. As a trial court of general jurisdiction, it handles both civil and criminal proceedings according to California law.

Civil Division handles:

  • Unlimited civil cases (claims exceeding $25,000)
  • Limited civil cases (claims of $25,000 or less)
  • Small claims cases (claims up to $10,000)
  • Civil harassment restraining orders
  • Name changes
  • Elder abuse cases
  • Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
  • Civil appeals from small claims judgments

Criminal Division processes:

  • Felony cases (from arraignment through sentencing)
  • Misdemeanor cases
  • Criminal appeals from infractions
  • Bail hearings
  • Probation violations
  • Mental health commitments
  • Criminal protective orders

Family Law Division oversees:

  • Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
  • Legal separation
  • Nullity of marriage
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support establishment and modification
  • Spousal support
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Paternity actions
  • Adoptions
  • Termination of parental rights

Probate Division manages:

  • Decedent estates
  • Trust proceedings
  • Conservatorships (for adults)
  • Guardianships (for minors)
  • Elder care matters
  • Mental health conservatorships

Juvenile Division handles:

  • Juvenile dependency cases (child welfare)
  • Juvenile delinquency cases (juvenile offenses)
  • Juvenile traffic infractions
  • Adoption proceedings involving dependent children

Traffic Division processes:

  • Traffic infractions
  • Traffic misdemeanors
  • Parking citations
  • Driver's license issues

Cases are assigned to specific divisions and courthouses based on case type, geographic considerations, and court resources. The Roseville courthouse handles the majority of case types, while the Tahoe City location primarily serves the eastern portion of the county with limited case types.

How To Find a Court Docket In Placer County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions or case indexes, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings in a case. Placer County offers several methods for accessing these important records.

Online Docket Search:

  1. Visit the Placer County Superior Court website
  2. Navigate to "Case Information" or "Case Index"
  3. Select the appropriate case type category
  4. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
  5. Review the register of actions showing filing dates, documents, hearings, and rulings

In-Person Docket Access:

  1. Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
  2. Request the register of actions for a specific case
  3. Provide identifying information (case number preferred)
  4. Review the docket on public access terminals or in paper form

Court Calendar Information:

  1. Access the Court Calendar section of the court website
  2. Select the relevant courtroom or judicial officer
  3. Choose the desired date
  4. View scheduled hearings and associated case information

Case Notification Services:

  1. Register for electronic case access through the court's portal
  2. Subscribe to notifications for specific cases
  3. Receive updates when new entries are added to the docket

When searching for dockets, users should note:

  • Case numbers follow a specific format (year-filing type-sequential number)
  • Party names should be searched by last name first
  • Some case types may have restricted docket information
  • Historical cases may not be available in electronic systems

For assistance with docket searches, contact:

Superior Court of California, County of Placer - Records Division
10820 Justice Center Drive
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 408-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Placer County Superior Court

Which Courts in Placer County Are Not Courts of Record?

In California's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court in which proceedings are documented verbatim and preserved as official records. According to California Government Code § 27702, courts of record maintain comprehensive documentation of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when requested.

Currently, all judicial bodies operating within Placer County are courts of record. Following the unification of California's trial courts in 2001 under Proposition 220, all former municipal and justice courts were consolidated into the Superior Court system. As a result:

  • All divisions of the Superior Court of California, County of Placer are courts of record
  • All proceedings are documented and preserved according to state law
  • Official court reporters or electronic recording systems capture verbatim records of proceedings
  • Transcripts can be prepared from these records for appeals or other purposes

Prior to court unification, Placer County had several courts not of record, including:

  • Justice Courts (for minor civil and criminal matters)
  • Municipal Courts (for misdemeanors and limited civil cases)

These former courts not of record have been fully integrated into the Superior Court system, which maintains comprehensive records of all proceedings. This unification has standardized record-keeping practices across all case types and court locations within the county.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record remains relevant primarily for historical cases and for understanding the evolution of California's judicial system. All current judicial proceedings in Placer County generate official records that are maintained according to state retention schedules.

Lookup Court Records in Placer County

Public Records Request information for Placer County

Access Judicial Branch public records

Guide to viewing electronic court records

Court records access procedures

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