Sonoma Court Docket Information

Sonoma County Superior Court maintains docket records for all cases filed in the county. Court dockets show the complete procedural history of a case. Each entry documents dates, hearings, motions, and judicial orders. The court uses Tyler Technologies Odyssey as its case management system. Docket records cover civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law disputes, probate matters, and traffic violations. Contact the court to search for specific case information. Staff can help locate files and explain how to access docket details for cases pending or closed in Sonoma County.

Court Docket Access

Sonoma County Superior Court is located at sonoma.courts.ca.gov. The court uses Tyler Technologies Odyssey for case management. This system handles electronic filing and maintains digital docket records. Check the court website for information about accessing case records. Some docket information may be available through courthouse terminals or by contacting the clerk office. Staff can assist with searches during business hours.

Most court dockets are public records. You can view them if they are not sealed by court order or restricted by law. Some case types have limited access to protect privacy. Juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, and certain family law matters may not be fully accessible to the general public. California Rules of Court establish which records are open and which have restricted access. The clerk staff can explain the rules for the type of case you want to research.

If you need copies of docket sheets or filed documents, visit a courthouse location. Staff print copies at standard fees. Large case files cost more because each page has a charge. Bring case numbers if you have them. This speeds up the search. If you only have names, provide additional details like approximate filing dates or case type to help staff locate the right file in Sonoma County.

Courthouse Locations

The main courthouse sits at 600 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa. This facility handles civil cases, family law, probate, and many criminal matters. It is the largest court location in Sonoma County. Clerk windows are open during business hours. Public terminals may be available for case searches. Staff can help you find docket information and order copies of court records. Parking is available on site. Bring identification if you plan to enter the building.

Additional courthouses serve other parts of the county. These locations process specific case types based on geographic jurisdiction. Not all courthouses handle every type of case. Some focus on criminal matters while others manage civil or family law dockets. Check the court website or call ahead to confirm your case is heard at the location you plan to visit. This saves time and avoids unnecessary trips.

Court hours run from morning to late afternoon on weekdays. Clerk offices typically open around 8:00 a.m. Offices close by 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. depending on the location. Some windows close during lunch. Arrive early if you need clerk assistance. Lines can be long during peak times. Bring all relevant case information to speed up the search process in Sonoma County.

Copy and Certification Fees

Copies of docket sheets and court documents cost fifty cents per page. This is the standard fee set by California law. You pay nothing to view records on courthouse terminals or through online portals if available. Fees apply only when you order physical copies. A short docket might cost a few dollars. Complex litigation with lengthy dockets and many filed documents runs much higher. Request cost estimates before ordering large volumes of copies.

Certified copies require an additional forty dollar certification fee plus the per page charge. The clerk stamps each page to verify it is a true copy from the official court file. Certification is necessary for legal proof. Banks, government agencies, and other institutions often require certified copies before accepting court records. Regular photocopies lack the official stamp and may not be accepted for formal purposes. Order certified copies only when you need authenticated documents for official use.

Fee waivers are available for low income individuals. You must complete financial statement forms and submit them to the court. The judge reviews your income and expenses to decide if you qualify. Approved waivers reduce or eliminate fees for copies, filings, and other court services. Ask the clerk for fee waiver forms if you cannot afford the standard charges in Sonoma County.

Court Docket Categories

Civil dockets document lawsuits between private parties. Contract disputes, personal injury claims, property conflicts, and business litigation all generate civil dockets. Each starts with the complaint that initiates the case. Answers and cross complaints follow. Discovery motions produce many entries as parties fight over documents and depositions. Hearings on procedural issues fill the docket. Settlement conferences are logged. Trial dates get set. Many cases settle before trial. The docket shows dismissal or stipulated judgment if parties agree. Trials generate verdict and judgment entries at the conclusion.

Criminal dockets track prosecutions for violations of California law. They begin with arraignment where the defendant hears charges and enters a plea. Bail hearings follow. Preliminary examinations test probable cause in felony cases. Pretrial motions address evidence and legal issues. Plea bargains 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. Post conviction motions and appeals extend the docket if the defendant challenges the outcome.

Family law dockets cover divorce, child custody, support orders, and restraining orders. These cases often involve multiple hearings over months or years. Probate dockets manage estates, conservatorships, and guardianships. Small claims dockets handle disputes under ten thousand dollars. Traffic dockets list citations and court appearances. All case types create permanent records maintained by Sonoma County Superior Court.

Contact Court Staff

Call Sonoma County Superior Court at (707) 521-6500. Staff answer questions about accessing dockets and court procedures. They cannot provide legal advice or tell you what steps to take in your case. If you need help interpreting a docket or understanding your legal options, consult an attorney. Legal aid organizations in Sonoma County may offer free or low cost assistance to people who qualify based on income. The court website has links to local legal resources.

The court website has forms, instructions, and contact information for different departments. Check the site before visiting to confirm hours and to see if your issue can be handled remotely. Many courts now offer online services that reduce the need for in person visits. Review available options before making a trip to the courthouse in Sonoma County.

Major Cities in Sonoma County

Several cities are located within Sonoma 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

Sonoma County borders neighboring counties. Each operates its own court docket system: