Tehama County Public Records /Tehama County Court Records

Tehama County Court Records

What Is Tehama County Court Records

Court records in Tehama County encompass the official documents generated, filed, and maintained by the judicial system in connection with legal proceedings. These records include case files, docket sheets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, sentencing records, and any other materials submitted to or produced by a court during the course of litigation. Court records are distinct from other categories of public records maintained at the county level, such as property records (deeds, liens, assessments) and vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates), which are administered by the Tehama County Clerk and Recorder rather than the court system.

In Tehama County, the Superior Court of California serves as the unified trial court and is the primary custodian of court records across all case types. Records maintained by this court span the following matter types:

Civil cases — general civil disputes, small claims, unlawful detainer (eviction), and limited civil matters
Criminal cases — felony, misdemeanor, and infraction proceedings
Family law cases — dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining orders
Probate cases — wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships
Juvenile cases — dependency and delinquency matters
Traffic cases — infractions and misdemeanor traffic violations

Under California Rules of Court, rule 2.400, all papers in court files are presumed to be public records unless a specific statute, court rule, or court order provides otherwise. The Superior Court of California, County of Tehama is the sole trial court of record serving the county and maintains custody of all case files described above.

Are Court Records Public In Tehama County

Court records in Tehama County are presumptively open to the public under California law. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.) establishes the general right of public access to government records, while California Rules of Court, rule 2.550 and rule 2.400 specifically govern access to court records. Pursuant to these provisions, members of the public may inspect most court records without demonstrating a particular need or interest.

The following categories of records are generally available for public inspection:

Most civil case files, including pleadings, motions, and orders
Criminal case files following the filing of formal charges
Judgments and court orders in concluded matters
Docket sheets reflecting the procedural history of a case
Hearing schedules and court calendars
Probate inventories and accountings filed as public documents

Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under California law. These include juvenile dependency records, sealed records pursuant to court order, records pertaining to adoptions, mental health proceedings under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, and certain victim information in criminal matters. It is important to note that federal court records — maintained by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California — are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, which is separate from the state court system administered by the Judicial Branch of California.

The Judicial Council of California publishes guidance on public access to judicial branch records, which applies to all California superior courts, including Tehama County.

How To Find Court Records in Tehama County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Tehama County may access them through several official channels. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and whether the requester needs certified copies or simple inspection.

In-Person Requests at the Courthouse

The most direct method of obtaining court records is to visit the clerk's office at the Red Bluff Courthouse during public counter hours. Requesters should bring the case number, party names, or approximate filing date to facilitate retrieval. Staff at the clerk's counter can assist with locating case files, providing copies, and certifying documents upon payment of applicable fees.

Written or Mail Requests

Members of the public who are unable to appear in person may submit written requests to the clerk's office. Requests should include the case number or sufficient identifying information, the specific documents sought, the requester's contact information, and a check or money order for applicable copy fees.

Online Access

The Superior Court of California, County of Tehama, currently provides online services including access to the court calendar, e-filing, and jury status checks. Requesters may use these tools to identify case information before visiting the courthouse or submitting a written request.

Third-Party Research Services

While third-party services may aggregate court data, members of the public are advised to obtain records directly from the court to ensure accuracy and completeness.

How To Look Up Court Records in Tehama County Online?

The Superior Court of California, County of Tehama, provides several digital tools through its official website that members of the public may use to access case information remotely.

Court Calendar The online court calendar, accessible through the Tehama County Superior Court online services portal, allows users to view scheduled hearings by date, department, and case type. This tool is particularly useful for identifying upcoming proceedings in civil, criminal, and family law matters.

E-File CA Registered users may submit documents electronically through the E-File CA platform linked from the court's online services page. This system maintains a record of electronically filed documents accessible to authorized parties.

Guide & File The Guide & File tool assists self-represented litigants in preparing court forms and provides case-related information relevant to their proceedings.

Steps to Search Online:

Navigate to the Superior Court of California, County of Tehama official website
Select the "Online Services" tab
Choose the appropriate tool (Court Calendar, E-File, or Guide & File)
Enter the case number, party name, or hearing date as prompted
Review the results displayed and note any case numbers for follow-up requests

For historical court records, the California Secretary of State's archives maintains collections of Supreme Court and appellate court records, which researchers may access by providing a case file or docket number.

How To Search Tehama County Court Records for Free?

California law guarantees the right of public inspection of court records at no charge. Under Government Code § 6253, public agencies — including courts — must make records available for inspection during regular office hours without requiring payment for the act of inspection itself. Fees are permissible only when a requester seeks physical copies of documents.

The following no-cost options are currently available to members of the public:

In-person inspection at the clerk's office counter during public hours — no fee is charged for viewing records on-site
Court calendar review via the online services portal at the Superior Court of California, County of Tehama — available at no charge
Docket sheet review — members of the public may inspect docket sheets in person without charge
Judicial Branch public records page — the Judicial Branch of California provides free access to general information about court structure, rules, and case types

Copy fees, certification fees, and research fees may apply when physical or certified copies are requested. Fee schedules are established by the Judicial Council of California and are subject to periodic revision.

What's Included in a Tehama County Court Record?

The contents of a court record vary by case type, but generally include the following categories of documents:

Civil Case Records

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Responsive pleadings (answers, cross-complaints)
Motions and supporting memoranda
Court orders and rulings
Judgment and any post-judgment filings
Exhibits admitted into evidence

Criminal Case Records

Complaint, information, or indictment
Arrest and booking information (where filed with the court)
Bail and release orders
Plea records
Minute orders from each hearing
Sentencing records and probation orders
Appellate filings, if applicable

Family Law Records

Petition for dissolution, legal separation, or nullity
Financial disclosure declarations
Custody and visitation orders
Child and spousal support orders
Final judgment of dissolution

Probate Records

Petition for probate
Inventory and appraisal of estate assets
Creditor claims
Final accounting and order for distribution

Traffic Records

Citation information
Plea and disposition records
Fine and penalty assessments

How Long Does Tehama County Keep Court Records?

Court record retention in California is governed by California Rules of Court, rule 10.1030, which establishes minimum retention periods for trial court records. The Superior Court of California, County of Tehama, adheres to these statewide standards.

Current retention periods under applicable rules include:

Felony criminal records — retained permanently
Misdemeanor and infraction records — generally retained for a minimum of 10 years following case disposition
Civil case records — retained for a minimum of 10 years following final judgment; certain case types may be retained longer
Family law records — retained for a minimum of 10 years; records involving minor children may be retained until the child reaches majority plus an additional period
Probate records — retained permanently in many instances due to their ongoing legal significance
Small claims records — retained for a minimum of 5 years following judgment
Juvenile records — subject to special retention and sealing rules under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 781

Records that have exceeded their retention period may be destroyed pursuant to court order and applicable Judicial Council guidelines. Researchers seeking older records may consult the California Secretary of State's court records archives for historical materials.

Types of Courts In Tehama County

Tehama County is served by a unified trial court system under the California Constitution. The court hierarchy applicable to Tehama County residents proceeds as follows: Superior Court (trial level) → California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District → California Supreme Court.

Superior Court of California, County of Tehama 633 Washington Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080 (530) 527-7300 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (excluding court holidays) Superior Court of California, County of Tehama

The Red Bluff Courthouse serves as the primary facility for all trial court proceedings in Tehama County. The courthouse, originally constructed in 1920, houses courtrooms for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The Superior Court operates the following divisions:

Civil Division — general civil, small claims, unlawful detainer
Criminal Division — felony, misdemeanor, and infraction matters
Family Law Division — dissolution, custody, support, domestic violence
Probate Division — estates, guardianships, conservatorships
Juvenile Division — dependency and delinquency
Traffic Division — traffic infractions and misdemeanors

Tehama County Clerk and Recorder 727 Oak Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080 (530) 527-3350 Public Counter Hours: Tuesday meetings begin at 9:00 a.m.; office hours vary — members of the public should confirm current hours directly with the office Clerk and Recorder, Tehama County

What Types of Cases Do Tehama County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of Tehama, exercises jurisdiction over all case types arising within the county, as the unified trial court of general jurisdiction.

Civil Cases

Contract disputes and breach of contract claims
Personal injury and property damage actions
Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
Small claims matters (currently up to $12,500 for individuals)
Limited civil cases (currently up to $35,000)
Unlimited civil cases exceeding the limited civil threshold

Criminal Cases

Felony offenses, including violent crimes, drug offenses, and property crimes
Misdemeanor offenses
Infractions
Preliminary hearings and arraignments
Sentencing and post-conviction proceedings

Family Law Cases

Dissolution of marriage and legal separation
Child custody and visitation disputes
Child and spousal support determinations
Domestic violence restraining orders
Paternity actions

Probate Cases

Decedent estates (testate and intestate)
Guardianships of minors
Conservatorships of adults
Trust proceedings

Juvenile Cases

Dependency proceedings (child welfare)
Delinquency proceedings (juvenile offenses)

Traffic Cases

Moving violations and infractions
Misdemeanor traffic offenses
License suspension hearings

How To Find a Court Docket In Tehama County

A court docket is the official chronological record of all filings, hearings, and orders in a given case. Members of the public may access Tehama County court dockets through the following methods:

Online via the Court Calendar The Superior Court's online services portal provides access to the court calendar, which reflects scheduled hearings and associated case numbers. Users may search by date or department to identify active proceedings.

In-Person at the Clerk's Office Members of the public may request docket sheets directly at the clerk's counter at 633 Washington Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080, during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). Staff can retrieve docket information using a case number or party name.

Steps to Locate a Docket:

Gather available identifying information: case number, party names, approximate filing year, and case type
Visit the court's online services portal or the clerk's office in person
Submit the identifying information to the clerk or enter it into the online search tool
Review the docket sheet for a complete list of filings and hearing dates
Request copies of specific documents listed on the docket, if needed, and pay applicable copy fees

For appellate dockets, members of the public may consult the Judicial Branch of California website, which provides access to Court of Appeal and Supreme Court case information.

Which Courts in Tehama County Are Not Courts of Record?

A court of record is a court whose proceedings are officially documented, preserved, and capable of being reviewed on appeal. Under California law, the Superior Court is the trial court of record for all counties, including Tehama County. California Constitution, Article VI, § 1 establishes the judicial power of the state in the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and superior courts — all of which are courts of record.

At present, Tehama County does not maintain separate municipal courts, justice courts, or magistrate courts that operate outside the court-of-record framework. California abolished its justice courts and municipal courts through a unification process completed in 2001, consolidating all trial court functions into the Superior Court system. As a result, all trial-level proceedings in Tehama County are conducted before the Superior Court, which is a court of record.

Informal dispute resolution bodies — such as administrative hearing panels, arbitration proceedings, and mediation sessions — are not courts of record and do not generate court records subject to public inspection under California Rules of Court. Records from such proceedings may be subject to confidentiality protections under applicable statutes and contractual agreements.