Solano County Docket Records

Court docket records in Solano County are available through the Superior Court system. The court handles all case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. A docket shows the complete history of a case. Each entry lists dates, hearings, motions, and court orders. You can search for dockets online using the case portal. The system allows searches by party name or case number. Remote access means you can view records from home or office. The portal covers cases filed at courthouses throughout Solano County.

Search Dockets Online

Solano County provides a case portal at portal.solano.courts.ca.gov. This system lets you search by party name or case number. Name searches may find multiple cases if the name is common. Look through results to pick the correct case. Case number searches go straight to the file if you have that information. The portal shows register of actions entries for most case types. These entries form the official docket that tracks all actions taken in the case.

The portal covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases. Docket entries show filing dates, hearing schedules, motion titles, and order descriptions. Some documents may be available for download depending on case type and filing date. Newer cases are more likely to have digital documents. Older cases may require courthouse visits to view filed papers even if the docket is viewable online.

Some case types have limited remote access. Family law cases, juvenile matters, and mental health proceedings may not be fully searchable from home. California law restricts online access to protect privacy in sensitive cases. You might need to visit the courthouse to view complete dockets for these case types. The clerk staff can explain access rules for specific categories of cases in Solano County.

Courthouses in Solano County

The main courthouse sits at 600 Union Avenue in Fairfield. This building handles civil litigation, family law, probate, and many criminal matters. Clerk windows are open during business hours. Public terminals let you search dockets at no charge. Staff can print copies for fifty cents per page. Certified copies cost more due to the authentication process. Fairfield is the county seat and the largest court facility in Solano County.

Vallejo Courthouse serves the western part of the county. It processes criminal cases, traffic matters, and some civil filings. Many residents find Vallejo more convenient than traveling to Fairfield. The courthouse handles local cases based on where defendants live or where incidents occurred. Check the court website or call ahead to confirm your case is heard at the Vallejo location.

Benicia has a smaller court branch. It handles limited case types. Not all matters go through Benicia. Some must be filed at Fairfield or Vallejo. Each courthouse has similar hours. Most open around 8:00 a.m. Clerk offices close by 4:00 p.m. Arrive early if you need clerk assistance. Bring case numbers or other identifying information to speed up searches.

Docket Copy Fees

Copies cost fifty cents per page. This applies to docket sheets and filed documents. No fee to view records on the online portal or courthouse terminals. You pay only when you order printed copies. A short docket might be five pages. Complex cases generate lengthy dockets with dozens or hundreds of entries. Costs add up for large files. Ask for an estimate before ordering extensive printouts.

Certified copies add a forty dollar fee plus the per page charge. Certification stamps prove the copy matches the official court record. Many agencies require certified copies for legal proof. Banks, licensing boards, and government offices often refuse regular photocopies. The certification stamp adds authenticity. Order certified copies only when you need them for official purposes. Regular copies work fine for personal reference or research.

Fee waivers help people who cannot pay. You fill out forms showing income, expenses, and assets. The court reviews your application and decides if you qualify. Approved waivers eliminate or reduce fees for copies and other services. Ask the clerk for fee waiver paperwork if you cannot afford standard charges in Solano County.

Types of Dockets

Civil dockets track lawsuits filed in Solano County. These include contract claims, personal injury cases, property disputes, and business conflicts. A civil docket starts with the complaint. Then answers, motions, and discovery requests fill the record. Hearings on various issues generate more entries. Settlement conferences are logged. Trial dates are set and often continued. Many cases settle before trial. The docket shows dismissal or stipulated judgment if parties agree. If the case proceeds to trial, verdict and final judgment entries conclude the docket.

Criminal dockets document prosecutions under California law. They begin with arraignment where charges are read and bail is set. Preliminary hearings test evidence in felony cases. Pretrial motions address legal issues. Plea deals may resolve the case without trial. If not, jury selection and trial dates appear on the docket. The verdict is recorded. Sentencing entries detail jail time, fines, restitution, and probation terms. Post conviction motions and appeals extend the docket if the defendant challenges the judgment.

Family law dockets cover divorce, custody, child support, and restraining orders. These cases often involve repeated hearings as circumstances change. Probate dockets manage estates, wills, conservatorships, and guardianships. Small claims dockets handle disputes under ten thousand dollars. Traffic dockets list citations, court dates, and dispositions. All case types create permanent records maintained by the Superior Court in Solano County.

Contact Information

Reach Solano County Superior Court by phone at (707) 207-7380. Staff answer questions about docket searches and record access. They cannot provide legal advice. If you need help understanding what a docket means or how to respond to a filing, consult an attorney. Legal aid organizations may serve Solano County and offer free or low cost help to people who qualify based on income.

The court website is at solano.courts.ca.gov. The site has information about courthouse locations, hours, and services. You can find forms, instructions, and links to the online case portal. The website lists phone numbers for different departments. Check the site before visiting to confirm hours and see if your issue can be handled online instead of requiring an in person trip.

Major Cities in Solano County

Several cities are located within Solano County. Court dockets for residents of these cities are maintained by the county Superior Court system. Select a city below for local court information:

Nearby Counties

Solano County borders neighboring counties. Each maintains its own court system: