Santa Cruz County Public Records /Santa Cruz County Court Records

Santa Cruz County Court Records

What Is Santa Cruz County Court Records

Court records in Santa Cruz County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550(b)(1), court records include "all documents, papers, exhibits, transcripts, and other materials that are filed in a case."

Santa Cruz County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing records in criminal matters
Jury instructions and verdicts
Settlement agreements filed with the court

These judicial records differ from other public records maintained by Santa Cruz County agencies, such as property records held by the County Assessor-Recorder or vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder. Court records specifically document legal proceedings and judicial decisions rather than administrative functions of government.

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz serves as the primary custodian of court records within the county. This court handles a wide range of case types including:

Civil matters (unlimited and limited)
Criminal proceedings (felonies and misdemeanors)
Family law cases
Probate matters
Juvenile proceedings
Small claims disputes
Traffic infractions

Under California Government Code § 68150, the court is required to maintain comprehensive records of all proceedings in a manner that ensures their preservation, accessibility, and integrity.

Are Court Records Public In Santa Cruz County

Court records in Santa Cruz County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with California's commitment to judicial transparency. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250) and the common law right of access to judicial records establish the presumption that court records are open to public inspection.

The California Rules of Court, specifically Rule 2.550(c), affirms that "unless confidentiality is required by law, court records are presumed to be open." This presumption of openness applies to most records maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz, including:

Civil case files and associated documents
Criminal case records (post-charging)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and registers of actions
Hearing and trial schedules
Court calendars

However, certain categories of records may be restricted from public access or sealed by court order. According to the Records & Information division of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court, restricted records typically include:

Juvenile court proceedings
Adoption records
Mental health proceedings
Certain family law matters involving minors
Records sealed by judicial order
Grand jury transcripts (before indictment)
Juror identifying information
Search warrant affidavits (before execution)

The court may also redact sensitive personal information from otherwise public documents, such as social security numbers, financial account information, and certain personal identifiers, in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551.

Access to court records in Santa Cruz County is governed by both state law and the policies established by the Judicial Council of California, which sets statewide standards for court administration and record management.

How To Find Court Records in Santa Cruz County in 2026

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

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Division at either courthouse location to request and review court records:

Santa Cruz Courthouse
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 420-2200
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz

Watsonville Courthouse
1 Second Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 786-7200
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz

Public counter hours for records requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding court holidays.

To request records in person:

Complete a Records Request Form (available at the clerk's office)
Provide case number or party names for record identification
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable search and copy fees
Allow time for staff to retrieve records (same-day service not guaranteed for all requests)

Written Requests: Written requests for court records may be submitted by mail to either courthouse location. Requests should include:

Requestor's name and contact information
Case number or party names
Specific documents requested
Check or money order for applicable fees
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery

Electronic Access: The court provides online access to certain case information through its Case Lookup portal. This system allows users to search for cases by name or case number and view basic case information, including:

Case status
Future hearing dates
Register of actions (docket)
Party information

For certified copies of court records, requestors must submit a specific request form and pay certification fees in accordance with the court's fee schedule. Pursuant to Government Code § 70627, certification fees are assessed in addition to copy fees.

How To Look Up Court Records in Santa Cruz County Online?

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz offers digital access to certain court records through its online portal systems. These electronic resources provide convenient methods for locating case information without visiting the courthouse.

The primary online resource is the court's Case Lookup system, which allows public access to basic case information. To utilize this system effectively:

Navigate to the official Santa Cruz County Superior Court website
Select the "Online Services" menu
Click on "Case Lookup"
Accept the terms of use agreement
Enter search criteria:
- Case number (for precise results)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Business name
- Attorney name
Review search results showing matching cases
Select a specific case to view available information

The online case lookup system provides access to:

Case summary information
Register of actions (chronological list of case events)
Future hearing dates
Party information
Case status

For criminal cases, users may access:

Case numbers
Charges filed
Next court dates
Case status
Sentencing information (for concluded cases)

For civil cases, the system displays:

Case type
Filing date
Parties involved
Scheduled hearings
Case disposition (if resolved)

It is important to note that the online system does not provide access to actual document images or full case files. According to the court's records policy, document images are not currently available through the public portal. To view actual documents, requestors must still visit the courthouse or submit a records request through approved channels.

Additionally, certain case types have limited online visibility due to confidentiality requirements, including juvenile, adoption, and certain family law proceedings.

How To Search Santa Cruz County Court Records for Free?

Santa Cruz County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic court record information. California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, establishes guidelines for electronic access to court records, including provisions for free public access to certain information.

Free In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to California Government Code § 68150(l), any person may inspect public court records during regular business hours at no charge. The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz allows free public viewing of non-confidential court records at both courthouse locations:

Santa Cruz Courthouse
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 420-2200
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz

Watsonville Courthouse
1 Second Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 786-7200
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz

To access records for free inspection:

Visit the Records Division during public counter hours (8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
Complete a records request form
Provide case number or party names
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested files
Review materials at designated public viewing areas

Free Online Resources: The court's online Case Lookup system is available at no cost and provides basic case information including:

Case numbers
Party names
Case types
Filing dates
Hearing schedules
Case status

This free online resource is accessible 24 hours a day, though it does not include document images or complete case files.

Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at both courthouse locations for free public access to the court's case management system. These terminals provide more detailed information than the public website and are available during regular business hours at no charge.

While inspection of records is free, the court does assess fees for:

Copies of documents ($0.50 per page)
Certification of records ($40.00 per document)
Record searches requiring more than 10 minutes of staff time
Complex record retrievals from archives

Fee waivers may be available for qualified individuals under Government Code § 68631.

What's Included in a Santa Cruz County Court Record?

Court records maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include several standard components.

Civil Case Records typically contain:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Responsive pleadings (answers, demurrers)
Motions and supporting documentation
Court orders and rulings
Discovery documents filed with the court
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Judgment or dismissal documents
Notice of appeal (if applicable)
Register of actions (chronological case summary)

Criminal Case Records generally include:

Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
Arraignment records
Bail or custody status information
Pretrial motions and rulings
Plea forms or trial verdicts
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (may be confidential)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Register of actions

Family Law Case Files typically contain:

Petition for dissolution, legal separation, or nullity
Response to petition
Financial disclosure declarations
Child custody and visitation orders
Child and spousal support calculations
Property division agreements or orders
Judgments and final decrees
Domestic violence restraining orders (if applicable)

Probate Records generally include:

Petition for probate or conservatorship
Wills and codicils
Letters of administration or testamentary
Inventories and appraisals of estate assets
Creditor claims
Accounting reports
Distribution orders
Guardianship or conservatorship reports

Each court record also contains a Register of Actions, which serves as the official chronological summary of all proceedings and filings in a case. This document lists each event, filing, and action taken from case initiation through conclusion.

According to the Records & Information division of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550-2.551, including:

Social security numbers
Financial account numbers
Driver's license numbers
Medical information
Information concerning minors

How Long Does Santa Cruz County Keep Court Records?

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz adheres to record retention schedules established by the Judicial Council of California pursuant to Government Code § 68152. These schedules determine how long different types of court records must be preserved before they may be destroyed.

Criminal Case Records:

Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention
Felony cases resulting in imprisonment: 75 years from date of disposition
Other felony cases: 50 years from date of disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 5 years from date of final disposition
Infractions: 3 years from date of final disposition

Civil Case 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 judgment for plaintiff; 1 year if judgment for defendant

Family Law Records:

Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: Permanent retention for judgment and custody/support orders
Other family law documents: 30 years from date of filing
Domestic violence restraining orders: Permanent retention

Probate Records:

Decedent estates: 10 years after final disposition
Conservatorships and guardianships: 10 years after termination
Trust matters: 10 years after case closure

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 court maintains certain records in electronic format after the destruction of physical documents, as permitted by Government Code § 68150. Electronic versions of court records are legally equivalent to original paper documents and are maintained according to the same retention schedules.

Records of significant historical value may be preserved beyond mandatory retention periods through transfer to the California State Archives or local historical repositories. Additionally, the court may extend retention periods for specific cases upon judicial order.

Types of Courts In Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County's judicial system operates within California's unified court structure. The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz serves as the county's trial court with general jurisdiction over all case types.

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz Courthouse
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 420-2200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Watsonville Courthouse
1 Second Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 786-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz

The Superior Court operates specialized divisions and departments to handle different case types:

Civil Division
Handles general civil litigation, including personal injury, contract disputes, property matters, and civil harassment cases.

Criminal Division
Processes all criminal matters from arraignment through sentencing, including felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.

Family Law Division
Manages divorce proceedings, child custody and support, domestic violence restraining orders, and other family-related legal matters.

Juvenile Division
Oversees dependency cases (child welfare) and delinquency cases (juvenile offenses).

Probate Division
Handles estates, conservatorships, guardianships, and trust matters.

Small Claims Division
Resolves civil disputes involving claims up to $10,000.

Traffic Division
Processes traffic infractions and related matters.

Appeals from Santa Cruz County Superior Court decisions are heard by the California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District:

California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District
333 West Santa Clara Street, Suite 1060
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 277-1004
California Courts - Sixth District Court of Appeal

The highest court in California's judicial hierarchy is:

California Supreme Court
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7000
California Courts - Supreme Court

Prior to 1998, California maintained Municipal and Justice Courts for limited jurisdiction matters. However, following the passage of Proposition 220, these courts were consolidated with Superior Courts to create California's current unified court system.

What Types of Cases Do Santa Cruz County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz exercises comprehensive jurisdiction over a wide range of legal matters arising within the county. As a court of general jurisdiction, it adjudicates virtually all case types under state law.

Civil Cases:

Unlimited civil matters (claims exceeding $25,000)
Limited civil matters (claims of $25,000 or less)
Small claims disputes (claims up to $10,000 for individuals; $5,000 for businesses)
Civil harassment restraining orders
Name change petitions
Elder abuse prevention
Workplace violence prevention
Civil rights matters
Complex litigation
Class action lawsuits
Environmental cases
Writ proceedings

Criminal Cases:

Felony prosecutions (from arraignment through sentencing)
Misdemeanor prosecutions
Criminal appeals from infraction cases
Probation violations
Mental health competency proceedings
Post-conviction relief petitions
Traffic infractions
Parking citations (appeals)
Fish and game violations
Local ordinance 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)
Property division
Domestic violence restraining orders
Paternity establishment
Adoption proceedings
Termination of parental rights

Probate Proceedings:

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

Juvenile Matters:

Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
Delinquency proceedings (juvenile offenses)
Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations)
Emancipation of minors

Specialized Proceedings:

Mental health commitments
Drug court proceedings
Veterans treatment court
Homeless court
Alternative dispute resolution
Mediation services
Settlement conferences

The court also provides various alternative dispute resolution services, including mediation for civil, family law, and small claims matters, helping litigants resolve disputes without formal trial proceedings.

How To Find a Court Docket In Santa Cruz County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in court cases. In Santa Cruz County, several methods exist for accessing these important records.

Online Docket Access: The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz maintains an online Case Lookup system that provides public access to basic docket information. To access dockets online:

Visit the court's official website
Navigate to "Online Services"
Select "Case Lookup"
Accept the terms of use
Search by:
- Case number (format: 19CV12345)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Business name
- Attorney name
Review the register of actions showing chronological case events

The online system displays docket information including:

Filing dates
Document titles
Hearing dates and times
Judicial rulings and orders
Case status updates

In-Person Docket Access: For more detailed docket information or for cases not available online, individuals may visit either courthouse location:

Santa Cruz Courthouse
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 420-2200
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz

Watsonville Courthouse
1 Second Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 786-7200
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz

At the courthouse, requestors may:

Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
Provide the case number or party names
Request to view the register of actions/docket
Review the information at public viewing terminals or in paper format

Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at both courthouse locations for searching case information and viewing dockets. These terminals provide more comprehensive information than the public website and are available during regular business hours.

Written Requests: For those unable to visit the courthouse or use online services, written requests for docket information may be submitted by mail. Requests should include:

Case number or party names
Specific request for register of actions/docket
Self-addressed stamped envelope
Payment for any applicable fees

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, electronic court calendars and indexes are generally available to the public. However, certain case types have restricted access, including juvenile, adoption, and mental health proceedings.

Which Courts in Santa Cruz County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the California judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court in which proceedings are documented by official written records, and which has the authority to fine or imprison for contempt. Pursuant to Article VI, Section 1 of the California Constitution, all courts in the current unified court system are courts of record.

Following the implementation of court unification in California, which was completed in 2001 under the provisions of Government Code § 70212, all former municipal and justice courts were merged into the Superior Court system. As a result, there are currently no courts in Santa Cruz County that operate as "courts not of record."

Prior to unification, Santa Cruz County maintained:

Municipal Courts (for misdemeanors and limited civil matters)
Justice Courts (in rural areas for minor offenses)

These lower courts were not always courts of record for all proceedings. However, since the constitutional amendment and subsequent unification, all judicial functions in Santa Cruz County are now performed by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz, which is a court of record.

The Superior Court maintains official records of all proceedings, including:

Verbatim transcripts or electronic recordings of hearings
Written documentation of all filings and court actions
Official minutes of court sessions
Formal judgments and orders

Even in less formal proceedings, such as small claims hearings, the Superior Court maintains official records of the proceedings and judgments rendered. While the procedures may be simplified, these matters are still heard in a court of record.

It is worth noting that certain administrative hearings conducted by county or state agencies (such as administrative appeals for parking citations or certain licensing matters) are not court proceedings and may not constitute proceedings in a court of record. However, these are administrative tribunals rather than courts in the judicial branch.