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Alameda County Court Records

What Is Alameda County Court Records

Alameda County court records comprise the official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to California Government Code § 68150, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. These documents serve as the authoritative account of court activities and decisions.

Court records differ from other public records maintained by county offices. While the County Recorder maintains property records, birth and death certificates, and marriage licenses, and the County Clerk handles business filings and fictitious business names, court records specifically document judicial proceedings and outcomes.

The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda maintains records for various case types including:

  • Civil cases (unlimited and limited)
  • Criminal proceedings (felony and misdemeanor)
  • Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
  • Probate cases (wills, estates, conservatorships)
  • Juvenile proceedings
  • Small claims actions
  • Traffic infractions

The California Rules of Court, specifically Rule 2.550, provides the framework for court record management and public access. The Superior Court of Alameda County maintains these records in accordance with state judicial requirements and provides various methods for public access to non-confidential records.

Are Court Records Public In Alameda County

Court records in Alameda County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Constitution, Article I, § 3(b), establishes the public's right to access information concerning the conduct of government business, including court proceedings.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

  • Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
  • Criminal case files (post-charging, with exceptions)
  • Judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets and registers of actions
  • Hearing and trial schedules
  • Court calendars

However, not all court records are publicly accessible. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests, confidential information, or sensitive matters. Records that are typically restricted include:

  • Juvenile court proceedings
  • Adoption records
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Certain family law documents containing private information
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Documents containing social security numbers, financial account information, or other personal identifiers

The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda follows these state mandates while providing reasonable access to public court records. The court maintains both physical records at courthouse locations and electronic records through its online portal systems.

How To Find Court Records in Alameda County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Alameda County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda provides multiple avenues for record retrieval:

Online Access:

  1. Visit the Alameda County eCourt Public Portal for electronic access to many case types
  2. Create a user account if required for expanded search capabilities
  3. Search by case number, party name, or filing date
  4. View available documents and case information
  5. Download or print accessible documents (fees may apply)

In-Person Requests:

  1. Identify the appropriate courthouse location based on case type and filing location
  2. Visit the Records Department during public counter hours
  3. Complete a records request form with case information
  4. Present valid identification
  5. Pay applicable search and copy fees
  6. Wait for records to be retrieved or processed

Written Requests:

  1. Download the Court Records Request Form from the court website
  2. Complete all required information including case number if known
  3. Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
  4. Mail the request to the appropriate courthouse location
  5. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery

Records Department Contact Information:

René C. Davidson Courthouse (Criminal, Civil)
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda

Hayward Hall of Justice (Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate)
24405 Amador Street
Hayward, CA 94544
(510) 690-2700
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda

Standard processing times for record requests vary based on workload and record availability. Expedited service may be available for additional fees in certain circumstances.

How To Look Up Court Records in Alameda County Online?

Alameda County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. The primary online resources include:

1. Alameda County eCourt Public Portal This system provides access to civil, family, probate, mental health, and adoption case records:

  • Navigate to the Alameda eCourt Public Portal
  • Select "Smart Search" for general searches or "Case Search" for specific case lookups
  • Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date range)
  • Review search results and select desired case
  • View case summary, register of actions, and available documents
  • Documents may be viewed, printed, or downloaded (fees may apply)

2. Odyssey Portal for Criminal Cases For criminal case information:

  • Access the Odyssey Portal
  • Search by defendant name, case number, or citation number
  • Review case information, hearing dates, and disposition
  • Note that some documents may require in-person requests

3. Traffic Case Information For traffic citations and infractions:

4. Alameda County Clerk-Recorder's Office For official public records not maintained by the courts:

When using online systems, users should note:

  • Registration may be required for certain search functions
  • Some documents may not be available online due to confidentiality restrictions
  • Electronic access fees may apply for document retrieval
  • Technical support is available through each portal's help section

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, electronic access to court records must comply with privacy protection requirements, which may limit the availability of certain documents online.

How To Search Alameda County Court Records for Free?

California law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Under Government Code § 68150(l), the public has the right to inspect judicial records during normal business hours at no charge.

Free In-Person Access:

  1. Visit any Alameda County courthouse location during regular business hours
  2. Proceed to the Records Department or Clerk's Office
  3. Request to view specific case files using case number or party names
  4. Present identification if required
  5. Use public terminals to view electronic records at no charge
  6. Review physical files in designated areas

Free Online Search Options:

Public Access Terminals: Free public access terminals are available at the following locations:

Law Library of Alameda County
125 12th Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 272-6486
Law Library of Alameda County

René C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda

While basic searches and viewing are free, fees apply for:

  • Printed copies ($0.50 per page)
  • Certified copies ($25.00 plus copy fees)
  • Document downloads from online systems
  • Research assistance beyond standard lookup services
  • Expedited processing

The court accepts various payment methods including cash, credit cards, checks, and money orders for fee-based services.

What's Included in a Alameda County Court Record?

Alameda County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:

Civil Case Records:

  • Complaint or petition initiating the case
  • Summons and proof of service
  • Answers and responsive pleadings
  • Motions and supporting documents
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Judgment or dismissal documents
  • Appeal notices and related filings
  • Register of actions (chronological case summary)

Criminal Case Records:

  • Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
  • Arraignment records
  • Bail and custody information
  • Motions and responses
  • Evidence logs and exhibits
  • Plea agreements
  • Sentencing documents
  • Probation reports (may be confidential)
  • Appeal documents
  • Register of actions

Family Law Records:

  • Petition for dissolution or legal separation
  • Response to petition
  • Financial disclosure statements (may be confidential)
  • Child custody and support orders
  • Marital settlement agreements
  • Judgments
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Mediation reports (often confidential)

Probate Records:

  • Petition for probate or conservatorship
  • Will and codicils
  • Letters of administration or testamentary
  • Inventory and appraisal of assets
  • Creditor claims
  • Accounting reports
  • Distribution orders
  • Conservator reports

Small Claims Records:

  • Plaintiff's claim form
  • Proof of service
  • Defendant's response (if any)
  • Judgment
  • Satisfaction of judgment (when paid)

Court records also typically include metadata such as:

  • Case number and filing date
  • Judge or judicial officer assignments
  • Hearing dates and continuances
  • Party and attorney information
  • Filing fees paid

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400, certain sensitive information may be redacted or maintained in confidential files separate from the public record.

How Long Does Alameda County Keep Court Records?

Alameda County retains court records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California under Government Code § 68152. Retention periods vary by case type and document category:

Criminal Records:

  • Capital felony cases with death penalty: Permanent
  • Felony cases with life sentences: Permanent
  • Other felony cases: 75 years from date of final disposition
  • Misdemeanor cases: 5 years from date of final disposition
  • Infractions: 3 years from date of final disposition

Civil Records:

  • Unlimited civil cases (over $25,000): 10 years from final disposition
  • Limited civil cases ($25,000 or less): 5 years from final disposition
  • Small claims cases: 10 years from final disposition
  • Unlawful detainer (eviction) cases: 1 year if defendant prevails, 3 years if plaintiff prevails

Family Law Records:

  • Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: Permanent
  • Child custody, support, visitation: Permanent
  • Domestic violence restraining orders: Permanent
  • Paternity actions: Permanent

Probate Records:

  • Decedent estates: Permanent
  • Conservatorships and guardianships: Permanent
  • Trust proceedings: Permanent

Juvenile Records:

  • Dependency cases: Until subject reaches age 28
  • Delinquency cases (serious offenses): Until subject reaches age 38
  • Delinquency cases (minor offenses): 5 years from final disposition

The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda follows these state-mandated retention schedules while also maintaining certain historically significant records permanently. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed in accordance with authorized procedures.

Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The court has implemented digital preservation strategies to ensure long-term access to electronic court records in compliance with Government Code § 68150(i).

Types of Courts In Alameda County

Alameda County's court system operates under the unified Superior Court of California structure. Following court consolidation in 1998, all trial courts in the county were unified into a single Superior Court with multiple locations serving different geographic areas and case types:

René C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
Case Types: Criminal, Civil

Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse
661 Washington Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 627-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
Case Types: Civil, Small Claims, Traffic

Hayward Hall of Justice
24405 Amador Street
Hayward, CA 94544
(510) 690-2700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
Case Types: Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate

East County Hall of Justice
5151 Gleason Drive
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 227-6700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
Case Types: Criminal, Traffic

Berkeley Courthouse
2120 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 627-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
Case Types: Traffic

Juvenile Justice Center
2500 Fairmont Drive
San Leandro, CA 94578
(510) 618-1100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
Case Types: Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency

The California court system hierarchy includes:

  1. Trial Courts (Superior Courts) - Alameda County's courts are at this level
  2. Courts of Appeal (First Appellate District for Alameda County)
  3. California Supreme Court

Federal cases in Alameda County are heard in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, located at:

Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building
1301 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 637-3530
United States District Court, Northern District of California

What Types of Cases Do Alameda County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda has jurisdiction over a wide range of case types. Each courthouse location typically specializes in specific case categories:

Civil Cases:

  • Unlimited civil matters (claims exceeding $25,000)
  • Limited civil matters (claims of $25,000 or less)
  • Small claims (disputes up to $10,000)
  • Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
  • Civil harassment restraining orders
  • Name changes
  • Elder abuse cases
  • Complex litigation
  • Writ proceedings

Criminal Cases:

  • Felonies (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison)
  • Misdemeanors (less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail)
  • Infractions (minor offenses typically punishable by fines)
  • Traffic violations
  • Domestic violence cases
  • Drug offenses
  • DUI/DWI proceedings
  • Probation violations

Family Law Matters:

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

Probate Proceedings:

  • Decedent estate administration
  • Will contests
  • Trust administration and disputes
  • Conservatorships (for adults)
  • Guardianships (for minors)
  • Elder care matters

Juvenile Matters:

  • Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
  • Delinquency cases (juvenile criminal offenses)
  • Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations)

Mental Health Proceedings:

  • Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) conservatorships
  • Mental health commitments
  • Capacity determinations

Appeals and Writs:

  • Appeals from small claims judgments
  • Appeals from administrative hearings
  • Writs of mandate, prohibition, and review

Case assignment is determined by case type, geographic location, and court resources. The Alameda County Superior Court Local Rules provide detailed information on case assignment and procedural requirements for each case type.

How To Find a Court Docket In Alameda County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all filings and proceedings in a case. Alameda County offers several methods to access these important records:

Online Docket Access:

  1. Visit the Alameda eCourt Public Portal
  2. Select "Case Search" from the available options
  3. Enter the case number if known, or search by party name
  4. Select the desired case from search results
  5. View the register of actions showing all case events in chronological order
  6. Note that some case types may have restricted online access

In-Person Docket Review:

  1. Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
  2. Complete a records request form with case information
  3. Present identification if required
  4. Request to view the register of actions or docket
  5. Public terminals may be available for electronic case access

Case Information by Phone: Limited docket information may be available by calling the appropriate courthouse division:

  • Civil Cases: (510) 891-6028
  • Criminal Cases: (510) 891-6060
  • Family Law: (510) 690-2800
  • Probate: (510) 690-2700

Daily Court Calendars: Court calendars listing scheduled hearings are available:

  1. Online through the Superior Court website
  2. In person at courthouse information kiosks
  3. Posted daily outside courtrooms

When searching for docket information, the following details are helpful:

  • Complete case number
  • Full names of parties involved
  • Approximate filing date
  • Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)

For older cases that may not be available electronically, a written request may be necessary. Submit requests to:

Superior Court Records Department
1225 Fallon Street, Room 109
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, electronic access to court records must comply with privacy protection requirements, which may limit the availability of certain docket information online.

Which Courts in Alameda County Are Not Courts of Record?

In California, a "court of record" is defined by Government Code § 27203 as a court that maintains formal records of its proceedings, has the power to fine or imprison for contempt, and from which an appeal may be taken. Following the unification of California's trial courts in 1998, all courts in Alameda County are now courts of record.

Prior to court unification, the following were not courts of record:

  • Municipal Courts
  • Justice Courts
  • Small Claims Courts

Currently in Alameda County:

All Superior Court branches are courts of record, including those handling:

  • Civil cases (unlimited and limited)
  • Criminal proceedings
  • Family law matters
  • Probate cases
  • Juvenile proceedings
  • Traffic infractions
  • Small claims actions

While small claims proceedings within the Superior Court system have simplified procedures and limited appeal rights, they are technically part of the court of record system. Small claims judgments are recorded, and appeals from small claims decisions are heard by a different Superior Court judge in a trial de novo (new trial).

Administrative hearings conducted by county or state agencies (such as unemployment insurance appeals, licensing matters, or local administrative citations) are not courts of record. These include:

Alameda County Assessment Appeals Board
1221 Oak Street, Room 536
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 272-3854
Alameda County Assessment Appeals

California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board
7677 Oakport Street, Suite 400
Oakland, CA 94621
(510) 622-3650
California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board

Decisions from these administrative bodies may be reviewed by filing a writ petition with the Superior Court, which is a court of record.

Lookup Court Records in Alameda County

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Search case information through the eCourt Public Portal

Find information about civil and criminal cases

Log in to the Superior Court Public Portal

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