Court records of Sonoma County, California, are available through several channels. SonomaCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official Case Portal of the Sonoma County Superior Court, directly at the court clerk's office, and through public terminals in the courthouse.
Sonoma Court System & Jurisdictions
California operates a unified trial court system — the Superior Court. In Sonoma County, there is one Superior Court (Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma) that handles all categories of cases at the county level. Federal cases are referred to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The Sonoma Superior Court is divided into several divisions:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, probation violations.
- Civil Division — claims over $12,500, as well as limited jurisdiction cases (up to $25,000).
- Small Claims — disputes up to $10,000 for individuals (up to $5,000 for businesses).
- Family Law — divorce, legal separation, establishment and termination of parental rights, custody, alimony.
- Probate Division — wills, estate management, guardianship, and conservatorship.
- Traffic Division — traffic violation fines, citation appeals.
If you are unsure which division your case belongs to, call the court clerk's office or check the case type through the online portal.
Sonoma Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be viewed on the official website of the Sonoma County Superior Court. The main page has a "Court Calendar" section where calendars are organized by divisions.
To find a specific hearing:
- Go to the court's website and select "Court Calendar."
- Select the desired division — criminal, civil, family, probate, or traffic.
- Find the date and department number.
Recently filed cases — civil, probate, and family — are also available through the recently filed cases page, which now redirects to a new search portal. For a more detailed search by case number or party name, use the court's Case Portal.
How to Get a Copy of a Sonoma Court Document
The Records Department of the Sonoma Superior Court is the central access point for court documents. It provides copies of non-confidential case materials. Here's how to obtain a document:
Online
Through the Case Portal, you can find case information and, depending on the document type, download electronic copies. Not all documents are available for download — some require an in-person request.
In Person
Visit the court's records department at:
Sonoma County Superior Court — Records Department
Bring the case number or the full name of the party. The clerk will conduct a search and prepare copies.
By Mail
Send a written request to the court's address, specifying:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Type of document needed
- Whether a certified copy is required
- Payment in the form of a check or money order
For criminal records, the court typically responds within 7–10 business days. Requests can also be submitted in person at the criminal division.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
A certified copy bears the court's official seal and verifies the document's authenticity — it is required for submission to other institutions. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal review. A certification fee is charged additionally.
Access Restrictions: Family cases, juvenile cases, sealed, and confidential records have restricted access according to the California Rules of Court (rule 2.503). More information on rules for viewing court electronic records can be found on the Judicial Branch of California's website.
Sonoma Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in California are regulated by Government Code § 70600 et seq. Below are the main rates applicable in the Sonoma County Superior Court:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (first page) | $0.50 |
| Document copy (each additional page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $25 per document |
| Name search in criminal records | $0 (free search through the portal); a written request may require payment for copies |
| Copy of court judgment | $0.50 per page + $25 for certification (if needed) |
Payment is accepted by check, money order, or (in person) credit/debit card. Confirm current fees directly with the court's records department, as rates may change.
To search for official public records registered with the Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder (real estate documents, mortgages, powers of attorney, etc.), use the online public records index, which covers documents from 1964. Note: California law prohibits displaying images of registered documents online, so only the index is available online, and full copies must be ordered from the Clerk-Recorder.