Court records in Fresno County, California, can be searched through several channels. FresnoCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Fresno Superior Court's online case information system, visit the clerk's office in person, or use public terminals at courthouse locations. The resources below explain which courts handle specific case types, how to check hearing schedules, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Fresno Court System & Jurisdictions
Fresno County's court system operates at both the state and federal level. Knowing which court handles your case type is the first step to finding the right docket.
Fresno County Superior Court
The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is the state trial court and handles the broadest range of cases:
- Criminal — Felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Criminal departments include Depts. 95, 96, and others at the main courthouse and outlying court facilities.
- Civil — Unlimited and limited civil disputes, unlawful detainers, and civil harassment restraining orders.
- Small Claims — Disputes up to $10,000 (or $5,000 if filed by a business entity), heard without attorneys.
- Family Law — Divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence restraining orders, and paternity. The Family Law Division provides forms and self-help resources.
- Probate — Conservatorships, guardianships, wills, and estate administration.
- Traffic — Traffic infractions and contested citations.
- Juvenile — Delinquency and dependency matters (records are generally confidential).
Federal Courts
Federal cases originating in Fresno are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, which maintains a Fresno division. Federal dockets — including bankruptcy, civil rights, and federal criminal cases — are searchable through PACER.
Appellate Courts
State appeals from Fresno Superior Court go to the Fifth District Court of Appeal, headquartered in Fresno.
Fresno Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court calendar in Fresno County, use the following methods:
- Online case lookup. The Fresno Superior Court Case Information system displays upcoming hearing dates for individual cases. Search by case number or party name to see scheduled appearances.
- Tentative rulings. The court's homepage publishes tentative rulings for civil law-and-motion matters, typically posted the afternoon before the hearing.
- Phone inquiry. Call the court at (559) 457-4943 between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to check on specific hearing schedules.
- In-person terminals. Public access terminals inside the B.F. Sisk Federal Courthouse annex and the main county courthouse allow calendar searches during business hours.
For civil case searches, note that you may need to remove the final three letters from the case number shown on your documents before searching online (e.g., for case number 03CECG00001SJK, search 03CECG00001).
How to Get a Copy of a Fresno Court Document
Fresno Superior Court provides certified and uncertified copies of most non-confidential court documents. Here is how to obtain them:
Online
The court's online case information portal lets you view docket entries and some document summaries at no charge. Full document images may not be available for download online; you may need to request copies through the clerk's office.
In Person
- Visit the Clerk's Office at the main courthouse.
- Provide the case number and specify which documents you need.
- Indicate whether you need certified or uncertified copies.
- Pay the applicable fee at the counter.
For older or archived files, the Archives Department will pull your non-confidential file and make copies. Contact the archives staff in advance to confirm availability.
By Mail
Send a written request specifying the case number, document title, number of copies, and whether certification is needed. Include a check or money order payable to "Fresno Superior Court" and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
What You'll Need
- Case number (required for most requests)
- Party names and approximate filing date (if case number is unknown)
- Government-issued ID for certified copies of certain records
Restricted records: Juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain family law documents are not available to the general public. Ask the clerk whether the record you need has any access restrictions.
Fresno Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Fresno County are set by California Government Code § 70626 and the Fresno Superior Court's fee schedule. The table below lists common charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $40 per document |
| Search of court records (per name/case, per 10-year period) | $15 |
| Copy of archived file (per page) | $0.50 |
| Exemplified copy (with seal for out-of-state use) | $50 |
| Bulk case index data (electronic) | Varies — contact the court |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit and debit card acceptance may vary by window; confirm when you arrive. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to "Fresno Superior Court."
Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts by contacting the clerk's office or checking the Fresno Superior Court website. For bulk distribution of electronic case indexes, the court can provide pricing upon written request through its case index ordering page.