San Diego County, California, is the 5th largest county in the United States, has a large and complex court system. Understanding the framework of the San Diego court system is helpful when attempting to locate records, documents, proceedings, and dockets. We will break down the various courts, their functions, and how to obtain copies of court case records.
The San Diego Judicial System and Types of Courts
San Diego's judicial system is a part of the California judicial system, the largest of any state in the nation. It is structured to handle a variety of cases from civil and criminal to probate and family legal matters. The San Diego Superior Court is the main court in the county. It has jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases. This includes family law, probate, and juvenile cases.
The county courts are divided into multiple divisions, each specializes in a specific type of case. Each division plays an important role in the judicial system, ensuring that every case is handled by a court that specializes in that specific aspects of the law. Here is a breakdown of the 5 main divisions:
1). Civil Division: Handles disputes between individuals or organizations.
2). Criminal Division: Deals with crimes and their punishments.
3). Family Division: Manages cases related to family matters like divorce, custody, etc.
4). Probate Division: Oversees cases involving wills, estates, and trusts.
5). Juvenile Division: Handles cases involving minors.
How to Run a San Diego Court Case Search
Running a San Diego court case search online can done by anyone since they are considered public records. The SD Superior Court has an online portal that allows anyone to search for and view court case records. If you are eligible, you can also obtain certified copies of these records for a fee. This portal is available to the public and can be accessed anyone with an internet connection.
To search San Diego Court Records online, follow these simple steps:
1). Visit the SD Superior Court's website.
2). Click on the "Online Services" tab.
3). Select "Case Search" from the dropdown menu.
4). Enter the respective case number, or the name of a party involved in the case.
5). Search and view the available records.
It's important to point out that not all records may be available online. Some older records, or records from certain types of cases, may only be available in person at the courthouse. If you can't find the records you're looking for online, contact the Clerk of Court for assistance.
Understanding San Diego Court Case Numbers and Document Types
When dealing with court case information, understanding case numbers and document types is crucial. Each case in the judicial system is assigned a unique case number. This number is used to track the case throughout its lifecycle. A variety of types of documents can be found in these case records, such as court orders, judgments, dockets, outcomes, and filings. Each respective document has a specific use case in the county's legal process. Understanding these various document types can be helpful in the information being searched for
Privacy and Confidentiality in Requesting Court Records
While most public court records available to view and obtain, some information is kept private for confidentiality or privacy reasons. This might include sensitive data like social security numbers, financial details, and certain family law cases. Records that are sealed and expunged are also not available for public view. If you have any questions about the availability of these records, you can reach out to the clerk of the respective courthouse.