Court records of San Joaquin County, California, are available through several channels. SanJoaquinCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. In addition, the official portal of the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin offers online search tools, and the court clerk's office provides access to materials in person and through public terminals in the courthouse.
San Joaquin Court System & Jurisdictions
California operates a unified system of trial courts — the Superior Court. San Joaquin County has one Superior Court, which handles all categories of cases at the state level. Federal cases fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
What Cases the Superior Court Handles
- Criminal Cases — from minor offenses (misdemeanors) to serious crimes (felonies). Information about individuals in custody in the county jail can be checked through the Who is in Custody system.
- Civil Cases — claims with a demand amount over $12,500, as well as cases with unlimited jurisdiction.
- Small Claims Cases — disputes up to $12,500 for individuals.
- Family Law — divorce, custody, alimony, restraining orders.
- Probate Cases — estate management, guardianship, conservatorship.
- Traffic Violations — fines, traffic violations, driving under the influence.
- Juvenile Cases — these records are typically closed to public access.
The county sheriff provides court security and enforces court orders. More detailed information about the sheriff's office activities can be found on the official Sheriff's Office website.
San Joaquin Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use the online tools of the Superior Court.
- Go to the Case Management Search page.
- Enter the case number — the system will show the scheduled hearing dates and current status.
- If the case number is unknown, try searching by party name to first identify the case.
Public terminals in the Stockton courthouse also display the daily calendar. Contact the clerk if you need help finding a specific hearing — the staff will help clarify the room and time.
How to Get a Copy of a San Joaquin Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: uncertified and certified. A certified copy has the court seal and confirms the authenticity of the document — it is required for most official purposes.
Ways to Obtain
- Online: submit a request through the Records Request page on the court's website. Provide the case number, party names, and document type.
- In Person: visit the Clerk of Court office in the main courthouse.
- By Mail: send a written request with case details and payment to the clerk's office address.
What You Need for the Request
Prepare the case number or full party names, approximate filing date, and document type. Without a case number, processing will take longer. Some records — particularly juvenile cases, adoptions, and sealed materials — are not subject to public disclosure under California law. The state-level public access policy to court records is explained by the Judicial Branch of California.
San Joaquin Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and searches are set according to the California Government Code. Below are approximate amounts — confirm the exact cost with the clerk's office, as fees may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Case search by number (clerk search) | Free through the online portal |
| Uncertified copy of a document (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $25 – $40 per document |
| Copy of court judgment | From $25 (depends on volume) |
| Mailing | Additional, at actual cost |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, money order, or credit card. For mail requests, include a money order payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court. Online requests through the Records Request portal may involve electronic payment — check available options on the page.
For birth or death certificates, contact the County Recorder's Office — Vital Records at 44 N. San Joaquin St., 2nd Floor, Stockton. These documents are not issued by the court.