San Bernardino Court Records provide instant online access to civil case filings through the county’s secure Digital Document Access Service. Launched in March 2022, this system lets attorneys, journalists, and residents download high-resolution PDF images from any device with internet. Each page costs fifty cents—a fee set by the California Judicial Council in 2021 to cover storage and bandwidth while keeping access affordable. The portal follows California Government Code § 68150, shows unsealed records freely, and logs every download for transparency. Users can get pleadings, motions, orders, and exhibits dating back to 1995, with files delivered in under ten seconds. Searches work by case number, party name, or attorney ID, and results include docket entries, timestamps, and direct PDF links. Filters help narrow results by court location, case status, or document type.
How to Search San Bernardino Court Records Online
The Superior Court’s public portal allows searches across civil, criminal, family, and probate divisions. Enter a case number, full party name, or attorney license number to pull up relevant filings. Results display docket entries with filing dates, document titles, and downloadable PDFs. Advanced filters let users sort by courthouse (like Redlands or Fontana), case outcome (dismissed, settled, pending), or specific document category such as motions or judgments. The system covers records from 1990 onward, though older files may require a request due to off-site storage. All downloads are tracked by IP address and time for audit compliance under the California Public Records Act.
Document Fees and Payment Options
Every page downloaded from the San Bernardino Court Records portal costs $0.50. This rate is set statewide by the California Judicial Council and applies uniformly across all counties. Payments are processed securely through the court’s online system using credit or debit cards. There are no subscription fees or monthly charges—users pay only for what they download. Bulk requests (up to 5,000 documents per day) are available for licensed attorneys under formal agreements. Receipts are emailed automatically and include transaction IDs for recordkeeping. No cash or check payments are accepted for online downloads.
Types of Records Available
Civil case documents form the core of the digital archive, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery requests, court orders, and final judgments. Criminal and traffic records are also accessible, though sensitive details like Social Security numbers are redacted before release. Family law cases cover divorce petitions, child custody agreements, and support modifications. Probate records include wills, estate inventories, and guardianship filings. Juvenile records remain sealed by law and are not available to the general public. Exhibits submitted as evidence are preserved in secure facilities and can be requested if not restricted by court order.
Data Accuracy and System Reliability
Since 2019, over 2.3 million pages of criminal and traffic dockets have been migrated to a cloud-based system hosted on Amazon Web Services. Each scanned document undergoes dual verification: a trained clerk checks image quality, and an OCR engine tags searchable text. The audit log shows a 99.7% accuracy rate for text recognition. Protected information is automatically removed before public release. Files retain original pagination and watermarks whether viewed as PDFs or HTML. The system updates in real time, but entries may change until final judgment is entered.
Juvenile Records: Access Rules and Restrictions
Juvenile court records in San Bernardino County are sealed under California Rule of Court 5.552 and Welfare and Institutions Code § 827. Only involved parties, legal guardians, and court-appointed attorneys can view these files. The public sees only docket numbers and filing dates. Sensitive matters like adoptions, abuse cases, and mental health evaluations are strictly confidential. Requests for unsealed documents must use Form JC-100, include a notarized statement explaining the need, and receive approval from the Juvenile Court Commissioner. Unauthorized access attempts result in immediate denial and possible legal action.
Exhibits Department: Evidence Handling and Storage
The Exhibits Department manages physical and digital evidence from criminal and civil trials. Three secure locations store materials: the Main Courthouse Vault, Downtown Records Annex, and a climate-controlled site in Loma Linda. Every item receives a barcode, is photographed upon receipt, and gets a chain-of-custody form signed by anyone who handles it. Staff complete annual privacy training, and breaches lead to disciplinary measures per Judicial Council Policy 11-10. After case closure, seized property is returned to owners or law enforcement agencies as ordered.
Filing Statistics and Court Activity Trends
In 2018, the San Bernardino Superior Court recorded 333,831 new filings—a 7% increase from 2017. Family law made up 27% (90,212 cases), mostly divorce and custody petitions. Civil litigation accounted for 22%, with 58,945 contract disputes and 34,112 personal injury claims. Probate filings rose to 14% (46,736 cases) after the 2017 Probate Reform Act simplified estate processes. That year, the online docket logged 1,254,329 page views, showing strong public interest in digital access.
Arrest Data and Law Enforcement Reporting
In fiscal year 2017, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office reported 24,468 felony arrests and 49,306 misdemeanor arrests. Compared to 2016, felonies dropped 3%, while misdemeanors rose slightly by 0.6%. Violent crimes totaled 8,855 cases, including 2,912 aggravated assaults, 1,743 robberies, and 127 homicides. Drug-related felonies reached 5,432, reflecting ongoing efforts against opioid distribution. These figures come from the California Department of Justice’s Crime Statistics Center.
Public Portal Disclaimer and Legal Use
The court’s public portal provides real-time case data but does not replace official records. Information is “as is” and may change until final judgment. Users must cite the source when sharing data and avoid commercial use. For legal proceedings, always obtain certified copies from the clerk’s office. The terms of service were last updated in July 2024 and prohibit misuse or bulk scraping without permission.
Bulk Access and API Services
Licensed attorneys and approved researchers can use a bulk-download API to retrieve up to 5,000 documents daily. This requires a signed contract with the court and adherence to usage policies. The API delivers structured data including docket entries, PDF links, and metadata. Requests must specify date ranges, case types, or party names. All activity is logged and monitored for compliance.
Archived Records and Retrieval Process
Records older than ten years are stored off-site at the State Archives in Sacramento. Retrieval requests cost $15 per box and take 7–10 business days. Users must submit a formal request form with case numbers or party names. Digital copies are not available for these files; only paper reproductions can be provided. Contact the Records Division for assistance.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino 2019 Main Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401 Phone: (909) 708-8800 Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (closed weekends and holidays) Online services available 24/7 at cap.sb-court.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how to use San Bernardino Court Records, what’s available, and how to get help. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official court policies and recent updates.
Can I view juvenile court records online?
No, juvenile records are sealed by California law and cannot be viewed by the public. Only parties directly involved in the case, their legal guardians, or court-appointed attorneys may access these files. Requests require Form JC-100, a notarized statement, and commissioner approval. The online portal shows only basic docket info like case numbers and filing dates for juvenile matters. This protects minors’ privacy and complies with state confidentiality rules.
How far back do digital court records go?
Most civil, criminal, and probate records are available from 1990 onward through the online portal. Some older files may be partially digitized, but complete access for cases before 1995 is limited. Records older than ten years are archived off-site in Sacramento and require a $15 retrieval fee per box. Users should contact the Records Division for specific date ranges or case types not found online.
Are there free ways to search court records?
Yes, searching the database is free. You can look up docket entries, filing dates, and case statuses without charge. However, downloading PDF documents costs $0.50 per page. There are no fees for viewing search results or using filters. Bulk access for attorneys requires a paid contract, but individual users pay only for downloads.
What happens if I find incorrect information in a record?
If you spot an error in a docket entry or document, contact the court clerk immediately. Provide the case number, document name, and description of the mistake. The court will review and correct official records if needed. Note that the online portal displays data “as is” and may not reflect last-minute changes until updated. For legal accuracy, always obtain a certified copy from the clerk’s office.
Can I use downloaded records for background checks?
Downloaded records can support personal research, but they are not certified documents. For employment, housing, or official background checks, request certified copies from the court clerk. These include official seals and signatures, making them legally valid. Uncertified PDFs from the portal are for informational use only and may not be accepted by third parties.
Is my download activity tracked?
Yes, every download is logged with your IP address, timestamp, and document details. This ensures compliance with the California Public Records Act and prevents misuse. The court does not sell or share this data with third parties. Logs are kept for auditing and security purposes only.
What if I can’t find a specific case?
If a case doesn’t appear in search results, it may be sealed, archived, or not yet digitized. Try different spellings of party names or use the case number if known. For older cases, contact the Records Division directly. Staff can check off-site archives or manual files that aren’t online.