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Monterey County Court Records

What Is Monterey County Court Records

Court records in Monterey County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities maintained pursuant to California Government Code § 68150, which establishes requirements for court record creation and maintenance.

Monterey County court records typically include:

  • Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
  • Court dockets chronicling case events and scheduling
  • Judicial orders and final judgments
  • Hearing and trial transcripts
  • Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
  • Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
  • Settlement agreements in civil cases

These judicial documents differ from other public records maintained by county offices, such as property records (deeds, liens, assessments), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and business filings, which are typically maintained by the County Recorder's Office or County Clerk.

The Superior Court of California, County of Monterey maintains records for various case types across multiple divisions:

  • Civil Division (unlimited and limited civil matters)
  • Criminal Division (felonies and misdemeanors)
  • Family Law Division (divorce, custody, support)
  • Probate Division (estates, conservatorships, guardianships)
  • Juvenile Division (dependency and delinquency)
  • Small Claims Division (minor civil disputes)
  • Traffic Division (infractions and violations)

The California Rules of Court, specifically Rule 2.550, establishes the presumption that all court records are public unless specifically sealed by judicial order or made confidential by statute.

Are Court Records Public In Monterey County

Court records in Monterey County are presumptively open to public inspection under both the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), further establishes the public's right to access information concerning the conduct of government business.

The following court records are generally accessible to the public:

  • Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
  • Criminal case files (post-charging documents)
  • Judgments and final orders
  • Docket sheets and registers of actions
  • Court calendars and hearing schedules
  • Probate inventories and accountings
  • Divorce decrees and property settlements

However, certain records are restricted from public access under California law, including:

  • Juvenile court proceedings (Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
  • Adoption records (Family Code § 9200)
  • Mental health proceedings (Welfare and Institutions Code § 5328)
  • Sealed records pursuant to court order (California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551)
  • Documents containing confidential personal identifiers (California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400-2.425)
  • Grand jury transcripts prior to indictment

The Judicial Branch of California maintains comprehensive policies regarding public access to court records, with specific rules governing electronic access established in California Rules of Court, Rules 2.500-2.507.

Members of the public seeking access to Monterey County court records must adhere to established procedures for inspection and copying, which may vary by case type and record format. The Superior Court of California, County of Monterey provides guidance on accessing court records through its Records Division.

How To Find Court Records in Monterey County in 2026

Members of the public may access Monterey County court records through multiple channels, depending on the record type and urgency of the request. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Visit the appropriate courthouse location based on case type:

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - Monterey Courthouse
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 647-5800
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - Salinas Courthouse
240 Church Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 775-5400
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey

  1. Complete a Records Request Form available at the Records Division counter
  2. Provide case number or party names for record identification
  3. Pay applicable search and copy fees
  4. Wait for staff to retrieve records (same-day service for readily available records)

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a written request to the Records Division including:

    • Case number or party names
    • Record type needed (entire file, specific documents)
    • Contact information
    • Payment for search and copy fees

  2. Mail requests to:

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey
Attn: Records Division
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940

Online Requests:

The Monterey County Superior Court Case Search system allows users to search for case information and access certain electronic records. The system provides:

  • Case summary information
  • Register of actions (docket)
  • Future hearing dates
  • Case status and disposition

For civil, family, and probate records, users may conduct searches by case number or party name. A $15.00 fee applies per name search, payable by check or money order to the Superior Court.

Certified Copies:

For certified copies of court records, requestors must:

  1. Specify certification requirement in the request
  2. Pay additional certification fees ($25.00 per document)
  3. Allow additional processing time

Pursuant to California Government Code § 70627, certification fees are established by statute and subject to periodic adjustment.

How To Look Up Court Records in Monterey County Online?

Monterey County provides electronic access to court records through several online portals, each serving specific case types and information needs. The following systems are currently available for public use:

Monterey County Superior Court Case Search:

The official case search portal provides access to:

  1. Criminal case information

    • Case status and charges
    • Future court dates
    • Disposition information
    • Sentencing details

  2. Civil case information

    • Case type and filing date
    • Party names
    • Hearing schedule
    • Document index

  3. Traffic citations

    • Citation details
    • Hearing dates
    • Fine information
    • Payment status

To conduct a search:

  • Navigate to the case search portal
  • Select the appropriate case type
  • Enter search criteria (case number, party name, citation number)
  • Review search results
  • Access available documents (if electronically filed)

California Courts Self-Help Portal:

The California Courts website provides access to:

  • Court calendars
  • Tentative rulings
  • Local court rules
  • Judicial officer assignments
  • Court forms and filing instructions

Document Access Restrictions:

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, remote electronic access to certain document types may be limited. The following restrictions currently apply:

  • Complete court files are not available for all case types
  • Some documents require in-person inspection
  • Certain confidential records are excluded from online access
  • Electronic access to criminal case documents may be limited

Users experiencing difficulty accessing records online may contact:

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - Records Division
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 647-5800
Records Division

How To Search Monterey County Court Records for Free?

California law guarantees the public's right to inspect judicial records without charge, pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400(a), which states that "court records are presumed to be open" to public inspection. While search and copy fees may apply for certain services, several free options exist for accessing Monterey County court records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

Members of the public may inspect publicly available court records at no cost by:

  1. Visiting the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours:

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - Records Division
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(831) 647-5800

  1. Requesting to view specific case files at the public counter
  2. Providing case number or party names to facilitate record retrieval
  3. Reviewing records in designated public viewing areas

No fee is charged for self-service inspection of physical records, though identification may be required.

Free Online Resources:

The following online resources provide free access to certain court information:

  1. Monterey County Superior Court Case Search - Basic case information is available without charge, including:

    • Case status
    • Party names
    • Hearing dates
    • Case type and filing date

  2. Court Calendars - Daily hearing schedules are available at no cost

  3. Judicial Council of California - Provides free access to:

    • Court forms
    • Self-help information
    • Court rules and procedures
    • General case information

Fee Waivers:

Individuals with limited financial resources may apply for fee waivers for search and copy fees by:

  1. Completing Judicial Council forms FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) and FW-002 (Order on Court Fee Waiver)
  2. Submitting completed forms to the court clerk
  3. Providing documentation of financial eligibility if requested

Fee waivers are granted pursuant to California Government Code § 68631, which ensures access to court services regardless of ability to pay.

What's Included in a Monterey County Court Record?

Monterey County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type. The following components typically comprise official court records:

Civil Case Records:

  • Complaint or petition initiating the action
  • Summons and proof of service
  • Defendant's answer or response
  • Motions and supporting memoranda
  • Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Trial transcripts (if prepared)
  • Judgment or final disposition
  • Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents

Criminal Case Records:

  • Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
  • Arraignment minutes
  • Bail and custody information
  • Pre-trial motions and rulings
  • Plea agreements
  • Trial exhibits and transcripts
  • Verdict or finding
  • Sentencing documents
  • Probation reports (may be confidential)
  • Appeal notices and related filings

Family Law Records:

  • Petition for dissolution or legal separation
  • Response to petition
  • Financial disclosures
  • Child custody and support orders
  • Marital settlement agreements
  • Judgments and decrees
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Paternity determinations
  • Name change orders

Probate Records:

  • Petition for probate or conservatorship
  • Inventories and appraisals
  • Creditor claims
  • Accountings
  • Distribution plans
  • Letters of administration or conservatorship
  • Court investigator reports
  • Final discharge orders

Register of Actions: All case files include a chronological register of actions (docket sheet) documenting:

  • Filing dates of all documents
  • Hearing dates and outcomes
  • Judicial assignments
  • Fee payments
  • Service completions
  • Judgment information

Pursuant to California Government Code § 69846, the court clerk maintains the official record of all proceedings, ensuring completeness and accuracy of the court file.

How Long Does Monterey County Keep Court Records?

Monterey County retains court records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California under Government Code § 68152, which prescribes minimum retention periods for various document types. The following retention periods currently apply:

Permanent Retention:

  • All judgments and decrees in civil, family law, and probate cases
  • Orders affecting real property
  • Civil unlimited cases (over $25,000)
  • Felony cases with sentences of death or life imprisonment
  • Family law judgments and final orders
  • Probate estates and guardianships
  • Mental health commitment proceedings
  • Adoption records

Extended Retention (50+ years):

  • Felony case files with prison sentences: 50 years after judgment
  • Felony case files with probation: 75 years after judgment
  • Domestic violence restraining orders: 75 years

Medium-Term Retention (10-30 years):

  • Civil limited cases (under $25,000): 10 years after disposition
  • Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
  • Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after judgment
  • Infractions: 10 years after disposition
  • Juvenile dependency: Until subject reaches age 28
  • Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 38

Short-Term Retention (1-5 years):

  • Civil harassment restraining orders: 5 years
  • Parking violations: 2 years after disposition
  • Administrative records: 5 years
  • Court reporter notes: 10 years (civil), 10-75 years (criminal, depending on offense)

The court may convert paper records to electronic format after two years pursuant to Government Code § 68150, provided the electronic version accurately reproduces the original. After the prescribed retention period expires, records may be destroyed or, in cases of historical significance, transferred to archives.

Researchers seeking historical court records should contact:

Monterey County Historical Society
333 Boronda Road
Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 757-8085
Monterey County Historical Society

Types of Courts In Monterey County

Monterey County's judicial system consists of various courts organized within the Superior Court of California, County of Monterey. The following courts currently operate within the county:

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - Monterey Courthouse
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 647-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey

Divisions:

  • Civil Division (unlimited civil cases)
  • Probate Division
  • Family Law Division
  • Appeals Division

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - Salinas Courthouse
240 Church Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 775-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey

Divisions:

  • Criminal Division
  • Juvenile Division
  • Traffic Division
  • Civil Division (limited civil cases)
  • Small Claims Division

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - Marina Courthouse
3180 Del Monte Boulevard
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 883-5300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey

Divisions:

  • Criminal Division (misdemeanors)
  • Traffic Division

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - King City Courthouse
250 Franciscan Way
King City, CA 93930
(831) 386-5200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey

Divisions:

  • Criminal Division (misdemeanors)
  • Traffic Division
  • Small Claims Division

California's court system operates in a hierarchical structure:

  1. Superior Courts (trial courts) - Monterey County's courts are at this level
  2. California Courts of Appeal (appellate courts) - Monterey County falls within the Sixth Appellate District
  3. California Supreme Court (highest state court)

The Superior Court of California, County of Monterey operates under the administrative authority of the Judicial Council of California pursuant to Article VI of the California Constitution.

What Types of Cases Do Monterey County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of Monterey adjudicates a wide range of legal matters as established by the California Constitution and state statutes. The following case types are currently heard in Monterey County courts:

Civil Division:

  • Unlimited civil cases (claims exceeding $25,000)
  • Limited civil cases (claims between $10,000-$25,000)
  • Small claims actions (claims up to $10,000)
  • Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
  • Civil harassment restraining orders
  • Name change petitions
  • Elder abuse prevention
  • Workplace violence prevention
  • Civil appeals from limited jurisdiction cases

Criminal Division:

  • Felony prosecutions (crimes punishable by death, state prison, or sentences exceeding one year)
  • Misdemeanor prosecutions (crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail)
  • Criminal appeals from infractions
  • Bail proceedings
  • Probation violations
  • Post-conviction relief petitions
  • Mental competency hearings
  • Extradition proceedings

Family Law Division:

  • Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
  • Legal separation
  • Nullity of marriage (annulment)
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support establishment and modification
  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Paternity actions
  • Marital property division
  • Guardianship of minors

Probate Division:

  • Decedent estate administration
  • Will contests
  • Trust administration and litigation
  • Conservatorships of adults
  • Guardianships of estates
  • Elder care proceedings
  • Mental health conservatorships
  • Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act commitments

Juvenile Division:

  • Dependency proceedings (child abuse and neglect)
  • Delinquency proceedings (juvenile offenses)
  • Status offense matters
  • Adoption finalizations
  • Emancipation petitions

Traffic Division:

  • Vehicle code violations
  • Parking citations
  • Driver's license issues
  • Traffic misdemeanors (DUI, driving without license)
  • Traffic infractions

Case assignments are governed by local court rules established pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 10.603, which authorizes presiding judges to assign cases to appropriate departments.

How To Find a Court Docket In Monterey County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings in a case. Monterey County residents and researchers may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

The Monterey County Superior Court Case Search system provides public access to docket information for:

  1. Civil cases
  2. Criminal proceedings
  3. Family law matters (limited information)
  4. Probate cases
  5. Small claims actions

To access dockets online:

  • Navigate to the court's case search portal
  • Select the appropriate case type
  • Enter search criteria (case number or party name)
  • Review the register of actions showing all case events
  • Note that document images may not be available for all entries

In-Person Docket Review:

For comprehensive docket information or cases not available online:

  1. Visit the appropriate courthouse location based on case type:

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey - Records Division
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 647-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  1. Complete a records request form at the public counter
  2. Provide case number or party names
  3. Request the register of actions/docket sheet
  4. Pay applicable search fees if name search is required

Written Docket Requests:

For docket information by mail:

  1. Submit a written request including:

    • Case number or party names
    • Request for register of actions/docket
    • Return address
    • Payment for applicable fees

  2. Mail request to:

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey
Attn: Records Division
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940

Attorney Access:

Licensed attorneys may access additional docket information through:

  1. Court-approved electronic filing systems
  2. Attorney portal access (requires registration)
  3. Case management system integration for registered users

Docket access is governed by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, which establishes standards for electronic access to court records, including registers of actions.

Which Courts in Monterey County Are Not Courts of Record?

In California's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by California Constitution, Article VI, Section 1 as a court that maintains formal records of its proceedings, employs a court reporter to create verbatim transcripts, and whose decisions may be appealed based on the official record.

Currently, all judicial proceedings in Monterey County are conducted through the Superior Court of California, County of Monterey, which is a court of record. Following the unification of California's trial courts in 1998 pursuant to Proposition 220, all former municipal courts and justice courts were consolidated into the Superior Court system.

Prior to court unification, Monterey County maintained several courts not of record, including:

  • Municipal Courts (for misdemeanors and limited civil cases)
  • Justice Courts (in rural areas for minor offenses)
  • Small Claims Courts (for minor civil disputes)

These former courts not of record had the following characteristics:

  • Limited jurisdiction over minor matters
  • Informal procedures
  • No court reporter creating verbatim transcripts
  • Appeals heard "de novo" (completely new trial) rather than review of a record

Currently, while all Monterey County courts are courts of record, certain proceedings within the Superior Court system maintain simplified procedures similar to former courts not of record:

  • Small Claims Division - While technically part of the Superior Court, small claims proceedings are conducted informally without attorneys, and appeals are heard de novo by a different Superior Court judge.

  • Traffic Infractions - Proceedings for minor traffic violations follow simplified procedures, though they remain part of the Superior Court and are courts of record.

All judicial officers in Monterey County, including commissioners and temporary judges, preside over courts of record as established by California Government Code § 70212.

Lookup Court Records in Monterey County

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