Alpine County Court Records

Alpine County is the smallest county in California by population. Court docket searches must be done through courthouse staff. The county does not offer online case search. You need to call or visit the courthouse in Markleeville. The clerk can search for cases by name or case number. Alpine County Superior Court sits at 14777 State Route 89 in Markleeville, CA 96120. The phone is (530) 694-2113, extension 2. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to noon, then 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. The court closes for lunch each day. Plan your visit or call during those times.

How to Search Court Dockets

Alpine County does not have an online case search portal. The court website is www.alpine.courts.ca.gov. You can find general info there. Hours, directions, and phone numbers are listed. But no search tool exists on the site. All case searches happen at the courthouse or by phone request.

Call (530) 694-2113, extension 2 to ask about a case. The clerk will search the system for you. If the search takes more than ten minutes, you pay a search fee of fifteen dollars. Most searches finish quickly in a small county like Alpine. The clerk can tell you if a case exists and give you basic info over the phone. For copies of documents, you need to visit in person or mail a written request with payment.

Visiting the courthouse gives you direct access to the clerk. You can ask questions and review records right there. The courthouse sits in Markleeville, a small town in the eastern Sierra. Plan ahead if you drive from far away. The roads can close in winter due to snow. Check road conditions before making the trip.

Fees for Court Records

Alpine County follows California standard fees. Copies run fifty cents per page. Search fees apply if the clerk spends over ten minutes. That fee is fifteen dollars. Certified copies cost forty dollars plus the per page fee. You need certified copies for official uses like court filings in other counties or government applications.

Mail your request with a check made out to Alpine County Superior Court. Include your name, address, and phone number. Explain what case you need and what documents you want. The clerk will process the request and mail copies back to you. This can take a few weeks depending on how busy the office is. In person requests usually get done the same day or within a few days.

Note: Payment must be made in advance for mail requests.

Types of Cases Filed

Alpine County hears all types of cases even though its population is tiny. Civil cases cover disputes over money, property, and contracts. Criminal cases include both felonies and misdemeanors. The county handles traffic tickets, family law matters like divorce and custody, and probate cases for estates and wills. Most cases settle before trial. Trials are rare due to the small number of filings each year.

The court also deals with small claims cases. These are disputes under ten thousand dollars. Parties represent themselves. A judge hears both sides and makes a quick decision. Small claims dockets move fast. You can file, have a hearing, and get a judgment all within a few months in Alpine County.

Court of Appeal Jurisdiction

Alpine County falls under the Third Appellate District. This district covers twenty three counties across northern and central California. If you appeal a decision from Alpine County Superior Court, your case goes to the Third District in Sacramento. You can search appellate cases at appellate.courts.ca.gov. Appeals take time. Most resolve within a year or two after filing.

The Third District hears appeals from trial courts in Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo, and Yuba counties. Oral arguments take place in Sacramento. The court issues written opinions that become part of California case law.

Courthouse Location

The Alpine County Superior Court is at 14777 State Route 89, Markleeville, CA 96120. This is the only courthouse in the county. All filings, hearings, and trials happen here. The building is small compared to urban courthouses. Staff know most of the local attorneys and frequent filers by name. This makes for a more personal experience than you get in large counties.

Parking is easy to find near the courthouse. No security lines or metal detectors slow you down. Walk in and go straight to the clerk window. Bring photo ID and any paperwork related to your case. The clerk can point you to the right courtroom if you have a hearing. Most courtrooms stay empty except during scheduled sessions.

Contact Alpine County Court

The main phone number is (530) 694-2113, extension 2. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes for lunch every day. Visit the court website at www.alpine.courts.ca.gov for directions, forms, and general information. No email address is listed for record requests. You must call or write to the courthouse address in Markleeville.

Alpine County Cities

Alpine County has no incorporated cities. The main town is Markleeville, the county seat. Other small communities exist but none reach the population threshold for separate court jurisdiction. All court matters go through the Superior Court in Markleeville.

Nearby Counties

Alpine County borders several other counties. Each maintains its own court system: