Ventura County Public Records /Ventura County Court Records

Ventura County Court Records

What Is Ventura County Court Records

Court records in Ventura County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of court activities and judicial decisions pursuant to California Government Code § 68150.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing records in criminal matters
Jury instructions and verdicts
Settlement agreements filed with the court

It is important to distinguish court records from other public records maintained by Ventura County agencies. While the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder's Office maintains property records, vital statistics, and other official documents, court records are specifically maintained by the judicial branch.

In Ventura County, court records are maintained by:

Superior Court of California, County of Ventura
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009
(805) 289-8900
Ventura County Superior Court

The Superior Court maintains records for all case types, including:

Civil litigation (unlimited and limited)
Criminal proceedings (felonies and misdemeanors)
Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
Probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships)
Juvenile proceedings
Small claims actions
Traffic infractions

Are Court Records Public In Ventura County

Court records in Ventura County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Rules of Court, specifically Rule 2.550, establishes that court records are presumptively open to public inspection unless sealed by court order.

Records typically available for public access include:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets and registers of actions
Hearing schedules and calendars
Final opinions and dispositions

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

Juvenile court records (Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
Adoption records
Mental health proceedings
Certain family law documents containing private information
Records sealed by court order
Documents containing confidential personal identifiers

The Judicial Branch of California maintains comprehensive policies regarding public access to court records. These policies balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the effective functioning of the courts.

It should be noted that federal court records for cases in Ventura County are maintained separately through the United States District Court for the Central District of California and are subject to federal access rules rather than state provisions.

How To Find Court Records in Ventura County in 2026

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

Online Access
- Visit the Ventura County Superior Court Case Inquiry system
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- Note that online access provides limited information and not complete case files
In-Person Requests
- Visit the appropriate courthouse location based on case type:
  
  Hall of Justice (Civil, Family Law, Small Claims)
  800 South Victoria Avenue
  Ventura, CA 93009
  (805) 289-8900
  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  
  East County Courthouse
  3855-F Alamo Street
  Simi Valley, CA 93063
  (805) 289-8900
  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certification
Written Requests
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court division
- Include case number (if known), party names, case type, and filing date
- Specify documents requested and whether certified copies are needed
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
Attorney Service
- Authorized attorney services may retrieve records on behalf of requestors
- Service must present proper authorization documentation

Pursuant to California Rules of Court 2.506, requestors must pay established fees for copies of court records. Current fees include $0.50 per page for standard copies and $40.00 for certified copies of judgments.

How To Look Up Court Records in Ventura County Online?

Ventura County provides several online resources for accessing court records electronically. These systems offer varying levels of information depending on case type and filing date.

The primary online portal is the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura Case Inquiry system. This system allows users to search for:

Civil cases
Criminal cases
Family law cases
Probate matters
Small claims actions
Traffic citations

To conduct an online search:

Navigate to the Case Inquiry portal
Select the appropriate case type from the available options
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date range)
Review search results showing basic case information
Note that complete case documents are not available for download through this system

For criminal case information, users may also access:

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information System
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Locator (for state prison inmates)

For property records and documents recorded with the county:

The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder's Office maintains an online search platform for official records including deeds, liens, and other property documents

Users should be aware of the following limitations:

Online systems do not provide access to complete case files
Certain case types may have restricted online information
Historical cases may not be available electronically
Document images are generally not available for viewing or download
Information provided online is not the official court record

For comprehensive case file access, in-person requests remain necessary at the appropriate courthouse location.

How To Search Ventura County Court Records for Free?

California law, specifically Government Code § 68150(l), guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge during normal business hours. Ventura County provides several options for free access to court records:

Free In-Person Inspection

Members of the public may visit the appropriate courthouse to view records at no cost:

Records may be reviewed at public terminals or by requesting physical files
No fee is charged for inspection of records
Staff assistance is available for locating records
Identification may be required for certain sensitive records
Hours for inspection are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Free Online Search Options

The Ventura County Superior Court Case Inquiry system provides free basic case information
Search functions include case number, party name, and filing date parameters
Calendar information is available at no cost
Case status and basic procedural history can be viewed without charge

Public Access Terminals

Computer terminals at courthouse locations provide free access to additional information
These terminals may offer more comprehensive information than the public website
Available during regular business hours at no cost

While inspection is free, fees apply for:

Printed or electronic copies of documents ($0.50 per page)
Certified copies ($40.00 for judgments, varying fees for other documents)
Research assistance beyond standard record location ($15.00 per name/case)
Document authentication and exemplification

Pursuant to California Rules of Court 2.506, the court may charge reasonable fees for access to electronic records to cover actual costs.

What's Included in a Ventura County Court Record?

Court records in Ventura County contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. The content of these records is governed by California Rules of Court 2.550-2.551 regarding public access to judicial administrative records.

Civil Case Records typically include:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Answers or responses from defendants
Motions and supporting documentation
Court orders and rulings
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Judgment or dismissal documents
Appeal notices and related filings

Criminal Case Records generally contain:

Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
Arraignment and plea information
Bail and custody status records
Motions filed by prosecution and defense
Evidence logs and witness lists
Court minutes of proceedings
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (access may be restricted)

Family Law Records commonly include:

Petition for dissolution or legal separation
Financial disclosures and property declarations
Child custody and support orders
Marital settlement agreements
Domestic violence restraining orders
Judgments and final decrees

Probate Records typically contain:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate or administration
Inventories and appraisals of estate assets
Creditor claims
Accounting reports
Distribution orders
Guardianship or conservatorship documents

Each court record also includes a Register of Actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case. This serves as an index to the complete case file.

Certain sensitive information is redacted or filed under seal, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Minor children's names (in many contexts)
Medical and mental health information
Confidential settlement terms

How Long Does Ventura County Keep Court Records?

Ventura County Superior Court retains records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California under Government Code § 68152. Retention periods vary based on case type and document importance.

Criminal Case Records:

Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
Felony cases with imprisonment: 75 years
Other felony cases: 50 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 5-10 years depending on offense type
Infractions: 3 years after final disposition

Civil Case Records:

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

Family Law Records:

Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: Permanent retention
Domestic violence cases: Permanent retention
Child custody and support proceedings: Permanent retention
Paternity actions: Permanent retention

Probate Records:

Decedent estates: Permanent retention
Guardianships and conservatorships: Permanent retention
Trust proceedings: Permanent retention

Juvenile Records:

Dependency cases: Until subject reaches age 28
Delinquency cases (serious offenses): Until subject reaches age 38
Delinquency cases (minor offenses): 5 years after jurisdiction terminates

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to statutory procedures. However, the court maintains a microfilm or electronic copy of judgment records permanently, even after physical files are destroyed.

The Judicial Council of California periodically reviews and updates retention requirements to balance access needs with storage limitations.

Types of Courts In Ventura County

Ventura County's court system operates under California's unified court structure. Following the unification of municipal and superior courts in 1998, all cases are now heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, with specialized divisions handling different case types.

Superior Court of California, County of Ventura - Hall of Justice
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009
(805) 289-8900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ventura County Superior Court

This main courthouse handles:

Civil cases (unlimited and limited)
Criminal matters (felonies and misdemeanors)
Family law proceedings
Probate matters
Juvenile cases
Appeals from small claims judgments

Superior Court of California, County of Ventura - East County Courthouse
3855-F Alamo Street
Simi Valley, CA 93063
(805) 289-8900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ventura County Superior Court

This facility handles:

Traffic infractions
Small claims cases
Limited civil matters
Misdemeanor arraignments and proceedings

Juvenile Justice Center
4333 Vineyard Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93036
(805) 289-8900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ventura County Superior Court

This specialized facility handles:

Juvenile dependency cases (child welfare)
Juvenile delinquency proceedings

Appeals from Ventura County Superior Court decisions are heard by:

California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six
200 East Santa Clara Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 641-4700
California Courts of Appeal

Further appeals may proceed to:

Supreme Court of California
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7000
California Supreme Court

Federal cases arising in Ventura County are heard in:

United States District Court, Central District of California
Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and Courthouse
255 East Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 894-1565
Central District of California

What Types of Cases Do Ventura County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of Ventura has jurisdiction over a wide range of case types as established by the California Constitution and state statutes. As a court of general jurisdiction, it handles both civil and criminal matters within the county.

Civil Cases:

Unlimited civil litigation (claims exceeding $25,000)
Limited civil matters (claims of $25,000 or less)
Small claims actions (disputes up to $10,000)
Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
Civil harassment restraining orders
Name change petitions
Elder abuse prevention
Workplace violence prevention
Civil appeals from small claims judgments

Criminal Matters:

Felony cases (preliminary hearings and trials)
Misdemeanor prosecutions
Criminal appeals from infractions
Traffic infractions
Parking citations
Fish and game violations
Probation violations and modifications

Family Law Proceedings:

Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
Legal separation
Nullity of marriage
Child custody and visitation
Child and spousal support
Domestic violence restraining orders
Paternity establishment
Adoption proceedings
Termination of parental rights

Probate Matters:

Decedent estate administration
Will contests
Trust proceedings
Conservatorships (for adults)
Guardianships (for minors)
Mental health commitments
Elder care proceedings

Juvenile Cases:

Dependency proceedings (child welfare)
Delinquency matters (juvenile offenses)
Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations)
Emancipation of minors

Alternative Dispute Resolution:

Court-ordered mediation
Settlement conferences
Arbitration programs

The court also handles specialized proceedings through dedicated calendars and programs, including:

Drug court
Veterans treatment court
Mental health court
Homeless court
Family law facilitation

Cases involving federal law or constitutional questions may be heard in federal court rather than Ventura County Superior Court.

How To Find a Court Docket In Ventura County

Court dockets, also known as Registers of Actions in California courts, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. Ventura County offers several methods to access these important records.

Online Docket Access:

The Ventura County Superior Court Case Inquiry system provides the most convenient method for accessing docket information:

Navigate to the court's official case inquiry portal
Select the appropriate case type category
Search using one of the following criteria:
- Case number (most precise method)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range
Review the resulting Register of Actions showing:
- Case initiation date
- Party information
- Attorney representation
- Chronological listing of filings and events
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Case disposition information

In-Person Docket Access:

Individuals may visit the appropriate courthouse to view complete docket information:

Hall of Justice Records Department
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009
(805) 289-8900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
Provide case number or party names
Staff will retrieve the Register of Actions for review
Public access terminals are also available for electronic docket searches

Telephone Information:

Limited docket information may be available by telephone:

Call (805) 289-8900 during business hours
Provide case number when prompted
Basic case status and next hearing date may be provided
Detailed docket information generally requires in-person or online access

Case Notification Services:

For ongoing cases, parties and their attorneys can register for:

Electronic case notifications through the court's e-filing system
Automated email alerts when new entries are added to the docket

When searching for docket information, users should note:

Case numbers follow specific formats based on case type and filing year
Some case types have restricted public access
Historical cases may not be available in electronic systems
Complete docket printouts may be requested for a fee

Which Courts in Ventura County Are Not Courts of Record?

In California's unified court system, all judicial proceedings in Ventura County are now conducted in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, which is a court of record as defined by California Constitution Article VI, Section 1.

A "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains official verbatim documentation of its proceedings, has the authority to fine or imprison for contempt, and whose acts and judicial proceedings are preserved for perpetual testimony and memory. These courts operate according to formal rules of procedure and evidence.

Prior to court unification in 1998, Ventura County maintained municipal courts and justice courts that handled minor civil matters, misdemeanors, and infractions. Some of these were not courts of record. However, following the implementation of the Trial Court Unification Act and subsequent constitutional amendments, these lower courts were merged into the Superior Court system.

Currently, the following forums in Ventura County operate as administrative tribunals rather than courts of record:

Small Claims Division of Superior Court (while part of the Superior Court, small claims proceedings are conducted informally without attorneys, and the record consists primarily of the judgment rather than verbatim proceedings)
Administrative hearing officers for parking violations
School district expulsion hearings
County administrative appeal hearings
Local agency administrative proceedings

These administrative forums:

Do not typically create verbatim transcripts
Follow more relaxed procedural rules
May not have contempt powers
Issue decisions that may be appealed to the Superior Court for "de novo" review (meaning the Superior Court considers the matter anew rather than reviewing a record)

All criminal proceedings, regardless of severity, are now conducted in courts of record, ensuring defendants' rights to appeal based on the official record of proceedings.