Solano Public Records /Solano County Court Records

Solano County Court Records

What Is Solano County Court Records

Court records in Solano County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550(b)(1), court records include "all documents, papers, exhibits, transcripts, and other materials that are filed in a case." These records serve as the official documentation of judicial proceedings and decisions.

Solano County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets listing chronological case events
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases
Probate inventories and accountings
Family law financial disclosures and custody determinations

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices. While property records, vital statistics, and tax records document administrative functions, court records specifically document judicial proceedings. The Superior Court of California, County of Solano maintains records for all case types heard within its jurisdiction.

The Superior Court of Solano County handles various case types including:

Civil (unlimited and limited)
Criminal (felony and misdemeanor)
Family law
Probate and estate matters
Juvenile dependency and delinquency
Small claims
Traffic infractions

As defined in California Government Code § 68151, court records include "all filed papers and documents in the case folder; all minutes and orders of the court; and copies of all judgments, appeals, verdicts, and settlements."

Are Court Records Public In Solano County

Court records in Solano County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Constitution, Article I, § 3(b) establishes that "the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business."

Under current law, the following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and registers of actions
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Probate inventories and accountings

However, not all court records are publicly accessible. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests, confidential information, or other compelling interests. Records that are typically restricted include:

Juvenile court records (unless specifically authorized by law)
Mental health proceedings
Adoption records
Certain family law documents containing sensitive information
Records sealed by court order
Grand jury proceedings
Juror identifying information

The Superior Court of California, County of Solano follows the statewide rules regarding public access to court records. The court maintains both physical records at courthouse locations and electronic records through its online portal, though electronic access may be more limited than in-person access under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503.

How To Find Court Records in Solano County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Solano County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of Solano provides multiple avenues for record retrieval:

Online Access
- Visit the Solano Superior Court Portal to search for case information
- Access is available 24 hours a day for basic case information
- Register for an account to view additional details and documents where available
In-Person Requests
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse location:
Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Old Solano Courthouse
580 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Hall of Justice
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Law & Justice Center
530 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Vallejo Branch
321 Tuolumne Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
(707) 561-7800
Superior Court of California, County of Solano
Written Requests
- Submit a written request for copies of court records
- Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
- Mail requests to the appropriate courthouse location
Records Request Form
- Complete the court's official records request form available on the court's website
- Submit in person or by mail with appropriate fees

When requesting records, individuals must provide:

Case number (if known)
Names of parties involved
Approximate date of filing or case activity
Document types being requested

Fees for court records currently include:

Search fees: $15 for records search requiring more than 10 minutes
Copy fees: $0.50 per page for standard copies
Certification fees: $40 per document for certified copies
Electronic access fees: Vary by document type and access level

Records are typically maintained at the courthouse where the case was heard. Requestors should contact the specific branch handling their case of interest.

How To Look Up Court Records in Solano County Online?

Solano County provides digital access to court records through several online platforms. The Solano Superior Court Portal serves as the primary gateway for electronic court record searches. This system allows users to access case information remotely, subject to certain limitations established by the California Rules of Court.

To conduct an online search for court records:

Navigate to the Solano Superior Court Portal
Select "Case Search" from the available options
Create a user account if accessing non-public information (attorneys and parties to cases)
Choose the appropriate search method:
- Case Number Search (most precise)
- Party Name Search (last name, first name)
- Attorney Search (bar number or name)
- Filing Date Range Search
Enter the required search criteria
Review the list of matching cases
Select a specific case to view available details
Access viewable documents if available electronically

The online services available through the Solano County Superior Court website include:

Case information lookup
Register of actions (chronological case events)
Future court dates
Case document index
Some downloadable court documents (fees may apply)
Court calendars

Limitations of online access include:

Not all documents are available electronically
Some case types have restricted online access
Historical cases may not be fully digitized
Certain confidential or sealed records are excluded
Documents may require in-person viewing

For criminal case information, users can search basic case details through the portal. However, pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503(c), remote electronic access to certain criminal records may be limited to indexes, registers of actions, and calendars.

Users should note that under California Rule of Court 2.504(b), electronically accessed records are not considered official court records unless specifically certified by the court.

How To Search Solano County Court Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Solano County court records without charge through several methods. California law guarantees the right to inspect public judicial records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches.

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the clerk's office at any Solano County courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
- Public access terminals are available for self-service searching
Basic Online Case Information
- The Solano Superior Court Portal provides free access to basic case information
- Search by case number or party name without registration
- View case status, future court dates, and case type
- Access registers of actions showing chronological case events
Court Calendars
- Daily court calendars are available at no charge through the court's website
- Search by date, courtroom, or judicial officer
- View upcoming hearings and proceedings
Self-Help Center Resources
- The court's self-help center provides assistance in locating and understanding court records
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can help navigate the records system
- Available at both Fairfield and Vallejo locations

While basic record inspection is free, the following services typically incur fees:

Document copies ($0.50 per page)
Certified copies ($40 per document plus copy fees)
Complex searches requiring more than 10 minutes of staff time ($15)
Electronic document downloads (fees vary)
Expedited service (additional fees apply)

Pursuant to California Government Code § 68150(l), "Unless access is otherwise restricted by law, court records created, maintained, preserved, or reproduced under this section shall be made reasonably accessible to all members of the public for viewing and duplication as the paper records would have been accessible."

What's Included in a Solano County Court Record?

Court records in Solano County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include all documents filed with or created by the court during a case's lifecycle.

For civil cases, court records typically include:

Complaint or petition initiating the case
Summons and proof of service
Defendant's answer or response
Motions and supporting documentation
Discovery documents filed with the court
Court orders and rulings
Judgment or dismissal
Post-judgment filings
Appeal documents if applicable
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcript of proceedings (if prepared)

Criminal case records generally contain:

Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
Arrest warrant or citation
Bail or bond information
Arraignment minutes
Plea forms
Motions and responses
Preliminary hearing transcripts
Trial exhibits and evidence logs
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (may be confidential)
Appeal documents if applicable

Family law records typically include:

Petition for dissolution, legal separation, or nullity
Response to petition
Financial disclosures
Child custody and visitation orders
Child support calculations and orders
Spousal support determinations
Property division agreements
Judgment documents

Probate records generally contain:

Petition for probate or conservatorship
Inventories and appraisals
Accountings
Distribution plans
Guardian/conservator reports
Court investigator reports
Orders and decrees

Each court record also includes a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. This serves as an index to the complete case file.

How Long Does Solano County Keep Court Records?

Solano County Superior Court retains court records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California and state law. Retention periods vary based on case type, case outcome, and document importance.

Under California Government Code § 68152, the following retention periods apply:

Criminal Records:

Capital felony cases with death penalty: Permanent
Felony cases with life sentences: Permanent
Other felony cases: 75 years from date of disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 5 years from date of final disposition
Infractions: 3 years from date of final disposition

Civil Records:

Unlimited civil cases (over $25,000): 10 years from final disposition
Limited civil cases ($25,000 or less): 5 years from final disposition
Small claims cases: 10 years from final disposition
Unlawful detainer cases: 1 year if judgment for plaintiff; 3 years if judgment for defendant

Family Law Records:

Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: Permanent for judgment and custody/support orders
Other family law documents: 30 years
Domestic violence restraining orders: Permanent
Paternity cases: Permanent

Probate Records:

Decedent estates: Permanent for final order
Conservatorships and guardianships: Permanent
Trust matters: 10 years after case closure

Juvenile Records:

Dependency: Until subject reaches age 28
Delinquency (serious offenses): Until subject reaches age 38
Delinquency (less serious offenses): 5 years from final disposition

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to statutory procedures. However, the court maintains a permanent microfilm or electronic copy of registers of actions, judgments, and other significant documents even after physical files are destroyed.

The court clerk may provide information about the retention status of specific records upon request. Individuals seeking older records should contact the court as soon as possible, as records nearing their destruction date may require special handling.

Types of Courts In Solano County

Solano County's judicial system operates within California's unified court structure. The Superior Court of California, County of Solano serves as the county's trial court with general jurisdiction over all case types.

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Old Solano Courthouse
580 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Solano
Primary location for civil matters

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Hall of Justice
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Solano
Primary location for criminal matters

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Law & Justice Center
530 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Solano
Primary location for family law and juvenile matters

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Vallejo Branch
321 Tuolumne Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
(707) 561-7800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Solano
Handles various case types for the Vallejo area

While Solano County itself only has Superior Court locations, cases from the county may be appealed to:

California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7300
California Courts of Appeal, First District
Handles appeals from Solano County Superior Court

Supreme Court of California
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7000
Supreme Court of California
Highest state court; discretionary review of appellate decisions

Federal cases arising in Solano County are heard in:

United States District Court, Eastern District of California - Sacramento Division
501 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 930-4000
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
Federal trial court with jurisdiction over Solano County

The California court system follows a hierarchical structure with the Superior Court handling all trial matters, the Courts of Appeal providing intermediate appellate review, and the Supreme Court of California serving as the highest state court.

What Types of Cases Do Solano County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of Solano has jurisdiction over a comprehensive range of legal matters. As a court of general jurisdiction, it handles virtually all case types arising within county boundaries.

Civil Cases:

Unlimited civil matters (claims exceeding $25,000)
Limited civil matters (claims of $25,000 or less)
Small claims (disputes up to $10,000)
Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
Civil harassment restraining orders
Name change petitions
Elder abuse prevention
Workplace violence prevention
Civil rights matters
Contract disputes
Personal injury claims
Property disputes
Professional malpractice

Criminal Cases:

Felonies (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison)
Misdemeanors (less serious offenses typically punishable by county jail)
Infractions (minor violations typically punishable by fine)
Traffic violations
Domestic violence
DUI/DWI offenses
Drug offenses
Theft and property crimes
Violent crimes
White collar crimes
Criminal appeals from lower courts

Family Law Matters:

Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
Legal separation
Nullity of marriage (annulment)
Child custody and visitation
Child support establishment and modification
Spousal support (alimony)
Property division
Domestic violence restraining orders
Paternity establishment
Adoption
Guardianship of minors

Probate Matters:

Decedent estate administration
Will contests
Trust administration and disputes
Conservatorships of adults
Guardianships of estates
Elder care matters
Mental health commitments

Juvenile Matters:

Juvenile dependency (child welfare cases)
Juvenile delinquency (youth criminal cases)
Juvenile traffic infractions
Emancipation of minors

Other Proceedings:

Appeals from small claims judgments
Administrative mandamus proceedings
Writs of habeas corpus
Civil commitment proceedings
Name and gender change petitions

Case assignments within the Solano County Superior Court system are determined by case type and filing location. The court maintains specialized calendars and departments for efficient case management, including dedicated family law, probate, criminal, and civil departments.

How To Find a Court Docket In Solano County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. In Solano County, these important records can be accessed through several methods.

To locate a court docket:

Online Access
- Visit the Solano Superior Court Portal
- Select "Case Search" from the available options
- Enter search criteria (case number preferred for most accurate results)
- View the register of actions for the selected case
- Note that online dockets show basic case information and event history
In-Person Request
- Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
- Provide the case number or party names to the clerk
- Request to view the register of actions
- Review the docket on public access terminals or in paper form
- Request copies if needed (fees apply)
Written Request
- Submit a written request to the court clerk
- Include case number, party names, and specific request for register of actions
- Include return address and contact information
- Enclose appropriate fees for copies if needed

Court dockets typically contain:

Case number and filing date
Party names and attorney information
Chronological list of all filings and documents
Hearing dates and outcomes
Judicial rulings and orders
Judgment information
Appeal notations if applicable

For criminal cases, docket information may be more limited in online systems due to privacy considerations. Complete criminal case dockets may require in-person inspection at the courthouse.

Current docket search fees include:

Online search: Free for basic case information
In-person search: Free for searches under 10 minutes; $15 for searches requiring more than 10 minutes
Printed docket copies: $0.50 per page
Certified copy of register of actions: $40 plus copy fees

The court's records department can provide assistance with locating specific docket information for cases that may be difficult to find through standard search methods.

Which Courts in Solano County Are Not Courts of Record?

In California's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court in which proceedings are documented by an official record-keeper, and these records can be used as evidence in subsequent legal proceedings. Pursuant to California Constitution, Article VI, Section 1, all courts in the state's unified court system are courts of record.

Under current California law, there are no courts in Solano County that are classified as "not of record." Following the implementation of court unification in California, which was completed in 2001, all former municipal and justice courts were merged into the Superior Court system. As a result, all judicial proceedings in Solano County now take place in courts of record.

The Superior Court of California, County of Solano serves as the court of record for all case types, including:

Felony and misdemeanor criminal cases
Civil litigation (unlimited and limited)
Small claims matters
Traffic infractions
Family law proceedings
Probate matters
Juvenile dependency and delinquency

Prior to court unification, certain lower courts such as justice courts and municipal courts had limited record-keeping requirements for some proceedings. However, these distinctions no longer exist in California's current judicial structure.

All judicial officers in Solano County Superior Court are required to maintain official records of proceedings. Court reporters or electronic recording systems document hearings and trials, creating an official record that can be transcribed if needed for appeals or other purposes.

It should be noted that while all courts in Solano County are courts of record, the level of detail in record-keeping may vary by case type. For example, traffic infraction proceedings typically have less extensive documentation than felony criminal trials or complex civil litigation.

Lookup Court Records in Solano County

Online Services - Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Solano Superior Court Portal

Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Records, Fees & Forms - Superior Court of Solano County

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