Clovis Court Docket Lookup

Clovis court docket records are maintained by Fresno County Superior Court. The city operates no court system of its own. All cases involving Clovis residents go through county courts. Civil disputes, criminal charges, family matters, and probate cases get handled at Fresno County courthouses. You can search dockets online or visit a courthouse in person to review records. The main courthouse sits in downtown Fresno, about ten miles from Clovis. Online access provides a convenient alternative to courthouse visits. Fresno County uses Tyler Technologies Odyssey software for case management. This system offers reliable search tools and daily database updates.

Court Jurisdiction for Clovis

Clovis is part of Fresno County. The county Superior Court handles all legal cases filed within Clovis. The main courthouse in Fresno processes most filings. This building sits at 1100 Van Ness Avenue in downtown Fresno. The drive from Clovis takes about twenty minutes depending on traffic.

The B.F. Sisk Courthouse handles civil matters. Criminal cases go to a different building also in Fresno. Family law has its own department. The clerk offices operate during regular weekday hours. Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on Mondays and Fridays when traffic tends to be heaviest.

No courthouse exists within Clovis itself. All court business requires a trip to Fresno. Parking is available near the courthouses but can be limited during peak hours. Public transit provides an option if you prefer not to drive. Plan extra time for travel and parking when you have a court date or need to visit the clerk office.

Search Clovis Dockets Online

Fresno County offers an online case portal at publicportal.fresno.courts.ca.gov/fresnoportal/. This system lets you search by name, case number, or other criteria. You can view docket entries and case summaries through the portal. The county uses Tyler Odyssey software which is widely adopted across California courts.

Search results show party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case types. Click on a case to see the full docket. Each entry displays what was filed, when, and by whom. You can track hearings, rulings, and other court actions. This helps you monitor case progress without calling the clerk office repeatedly.

The portal has some quirks. For civil cases, you need to remove the final three letters from the case number before searching. This is a known system limitation. Unlawful detainer cases do not appear for sixty days after filing to protect tenant privacy during eviction proceedings. Keep these restrictions in mind when searching.

Document access may require payment. The county sets fees for downloading filed documents. Basic docket viewing is typically free. Check the portal for current fee information. Free terminals at courthouses let you view and print documents without online charges if you prefer to avoid fees.

Fresno County Case Portal

Clovis residents can access court records through the Fresno County Superior Court online portal which provides comprehensive search capabilities for all public case types.

The portal uses Tyler Odyssey software to deliver case information and docket details to the public.

Fresno Courthouses

The main civil courthouse stands at 1100 Van Ness Avenue in Fresno. The B.F. Sisk building handles civil trials and hearings. Clerk offices occupy the lower floors. Courtrooms fill the upper levels. Public computer terminals are available for free docket searches. Ask clerk staff to point you toward them if you cannot find them.

Criminal cases use a separate building at 1130 O Street. This courthouse processes criminal filings and holds criminal trials. Family law and traffic cases have their own designated departments. Check your court papers to confirm which building handles your specific matter.

Security screening happens at each courthouse entrance. Metal detectors check for weapons. Leave prohibited items at home. Cell phones are allowed but must be silenced. Cameras require judicial permission. Business casual dress is appropriate for court visits though not strictly required.

Parking can be tight near the courthouses during busy hours. Arrive early to find a spot. Some people park a few blocks away and walk. Meters and paid lots provide options. Bring coins or a card for parking fees.

Docket Categories

Civil dockets include lawsuits between parties. Personal injury cases fall here. Contract disputes and property fights also use civil dockets. Family law covers divorce, custody, support, and restraining orders. Probate handles wills, trusts, and conservatorships. Criminal cases range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Traffic infractions are separate from other criminal matters.

Each case type has a unique number format. The prefix letters identify the category. Civil starts with certain codes. Family uses different letters. Criminal has its own prefix. This helps you identify cases quickly when searching by name. Multiple results become easier to sort when you understand the numbering system.

Legal Assistance for Clovis Residents

Central California Legal Services provides free help to low income residents. They handle civil matters like housing, family law, and public benefits. Call to see if you qualify. They do not take criminal cases. For criminal defense, contact the public defender if you cannot afford a private attorney. The court appoints public defenders to eligible defendants.

The Fresno County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service. They match you with local attorneys based on your legal issue. The first consultation often costs less than regular appointments. After that you work out fees with the lawyer directly. This service helps when you need private representation but do not know which attorney to contact.

Self help centers at Fresno County courthouses provide free assistance. Staff answer questions about forms and procedures. They show you how to use public terminals to search dockets. They cannot give legal advice about your specific case. But they can explain how the process works and point you to relevant resources.

Public Access and Privacy

Most court dockets are public in California. Anyone can search and view them. Some exceptions exist. Juvenile cases remain confidential. Sealed records do not appear in searches. Family law cases may have restricted remote access. You might see a case listed online but need to visit a courthouse to view certain documents.

If you cannot find a case, try different search methods. Spelling variations affect results. Remember to remove the last three letters from civil case numbers before searching in the Fresno portal. This quirk catches many first time users. Ask a clerk for help if you believe a case exists but cannot locate it online.

Search and Copy Fees

Basic docket searches are typically free. Viewing case summaries costs nothing. Document downloads may trigger fees. The county charges for accessing filed documents through the portal. Free terminals at courthouses let you view everything without paying. Use those machines if you need to review extensive files or want to avoid online charges.

Paper copies cost fifty cents per page at the courthouse. Certified copies cost more. Most people need regular copies for their records. Certified copies are required for official purposes like appeals. Ask the clerk which type you need if you are unsure.

Other Fresno County Cities

These nearby cities also use Fresno County Superior Court: