Court records of San Bernardino County, California, are available through several channels. SanBernardinoCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the official resources of the San Bernardino County Superior Court, the court clerk's office, and public terminals located directly in court buildings.
San Bernardino Court System & Jurisdictions
In California, there are no district or magistrate courts in the traditional sense — the state's judicial system is unified. All first-instance cases are heard by the county's Superior Court. In San Bernardino County, this court operates through several branches located in different cities, including San Bernardino, Fontana, Victorville, Joshua Tree, and Rancho Cucamonga.
Here are the categories of cases the court handles:
- Criminal cases — from misdemeanors to felonies. Information about criminal proceedings and resources for victims is also provided by the district attorney's office.
- Civil cases — claims over $12,500 (unlimited civil) and claims up to $12,500 (limited civil).
- Small Claims — disputes up to $10,000 for individuals (up to $5,000 for legal entities), without attorney involvement.
- Family law — divorce, child custody, alimony. To file for divorce, one spouse must have resided in the county for at least three months. Detailed rules are described on the court's family law page.
- Probate cases — estate management, guardianship, conservatorship.
- Traffic violations — fines, challenging traffic violations.
Federal cases — bankruptcy, violations of federal law — are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, not the county's Superior Court.
San Bernardino Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or during the week, refer to the court's online resources. The official website of the San Bernardino County Superior Court publishes information about the hearing schedule and allows you to search cases by number or party name.
How to find the schedule:
- Go to the court's website and use the Case Information section.
- Enter the case number or participant's last name.
- The search results will display scheduled hearing dates, courtroom number, and branch address.
If online access is unavailable or additional information is needed, call the clerk's office of the relevant court branch. The hearing schedule is also posted outside the courtrooms every morning — this is useful if you are already on site.
How to Get a Copy of a San Bernardino Court Document
The court distinguishes between two types of copies: uncertified and certified. A certified copy has the court's seal and the clerk's signature, confirming the document's authenticity. This version is usually required by other institutions — for example, for submission to another court or government agency.
Channels for obtaining documents:
- Online — through the Court Case Information and Document Sales section, you can order copies of individual documents remotely.
- In person — visit the court clerk's office at the relevant branch. You will need the case number or the full name of the party.
- By mail — send a written request with the case number, document type, and payment to the main court branch's address.
For family law or divorce cases, local court forms may be required. Some records — particularly juvenile cases, sealed cases, and certain family proceedings — have restricted access and are not issued without a judge's order.
San Bernardino Court Records Fees & Payment
Clerk's office service fees are set according to the California Government Code. Below are approximate rates — it's best to confirm the exact amount directly with the clerk's office or on the court's website, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (first page) | $0.50 |
| Document copy (each additional page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $25 per document |
| Case search by clerk (by name or number) | $15 per name/number |
| Issuance of court judgment copy | Depends on volume |
| Mailing | At actual cost |
Payment is accepted in person at the clerk's office — usually by cash, money order, or credit/debit card. When ordering by mail, include a money order payable to "Clerk of the Superior Court." Some online orders also accept electronic payments.
Note: Free case viewing is available through public terminals in court buildings. Fees are charged only for making copies or certification.