Shasta County Court Records
What Is Shasta County Court Records
Court records in Shasta County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, court records are defined as "all documents filed in a case," distinguishing them from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments.
The Shasta County Superior Court maintains records for various case types including:
- Civil cases (unlimited and limited)
- Criminal proceedings (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Family law matters
- Probate cases
- Juvenile proceedings
- Small claims actions
- Traffic infractions
Unlike some larger California counties, Shasta County operates under a unified Superior Court system rather than having separate specialized courts. However, different departments within the Superior Court of California, County of Shasta handle specific case types. The court maintains records in accordance with California Government Code § 68152, which establishes retention requirements for judicial records.
Are Court Records Public In Shasta County
Court records in Shasta County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Constitution, Article I, § 3(b) further establishes that "the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business."
Records typically available for public inspection include:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rules 2.550 and 2.551. These include:
- Juvenile court records (Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
- Records sealed by court order
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Documents containing confidential personal identifiers
- Cases involving minors as victims of certain crimes
The Shasta County Superior Court follows the California Rules of Court regarding electronic access to court records, which permits remote electronic access to certain records while restricting others to in-person inspection only.
How To Find Court Records in Shasta County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Shasta County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
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Online Access: The Shasta County Superior Court provides electronic access to certain court records through its online portal. Users may search by case number, party name, or filing date.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Department at the courthouse to request and view physical court records:
Shasta County Superior Court - Records Department
1500 Court Street, Room 319
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
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Written Requests: Written requests for copies of court records may be submitted by mail to the above address. Requests should include:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Specific documents requested
- Contact information for response
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Attorney Service: Licensed attorneys and their staff may access certain records through the court's attorney portal with proper credentials.
Standard fees apply for copies of court records pursuant to Government Code § 70627. Currently, the fee is $0.50 per page for standard copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies.
How To Look Up Court Records in Shasta County Online?
Shasta County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online:
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Shasta County Superior Court Case Information Portal
- Navigate to the Court Case Records page
- Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review search results and select specific cases to view available information
- Note that complete case files may not be available online; some documents require in-person inspection
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California Courts Self-Help Portal
- Access the California Courts Self-Help website
- Navigate to the "Find Your Court Case" section
- Select Shasta County from the dropdown menu
- Follow prompts to search for case information
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Criminal Case Index
- The court provides a separate search function for criminal cases
- Only basic case information is displayed (charges, next court date, case status)
- Detailed documents require in-person requests
Online access limitations include:
- Family law documents (available only to parties and their attorneys)
- Juvenile records (restricted by law)
- Sealed or confidential records
- Cases filed before digital conversion (approximately 2010)
Users should note that electronic access to court records is governed by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, which restricts remote access to certain case types to protect privacy interests.
How To Search Shasta County Court Records for Free?
California law guarantees the public's right to inspect judicial records without charge, as established in Government Code § 68150(l), which states that "public access to trial court records shall be provided at no cost, unless otherwise provided by law." Shasta County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records:
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Free Online Search Options:
- The Shasta County Superior Court case index provides basic case information at no charge
- Users can search by name or case number to view:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Upcoming hearing dates
- Case status
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In-Person Inspection:
- Visiting the Records Department during public counter hours allows free inspection of non-confidential court records
- Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for searching electronic records
- Staff assistance is available for locating physical files
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Public Law Library Access:
- The Shasta County Public Law Library provides free access to certain court records and legal research materials
Shasta County Public Law Library
1500 Court Street, Room 311
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6400
Shasta County Public Law Library
While searching records is free, fees apply for obtaining copies of documents ($0.50 per page for standard copies, $1.00 per page for certified copies) in accordance with Government Code § 70627.
What's Included in a Shasta County Court Record?
Court records in Shasta County contain various documents depending on the case type. A comprehensive court record typically includes:
For Civil Cases:
- 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 (if applicable)
- Case management documents
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (information, indictment, or complaint)
- Arraignment records
- Bail and custody information
- Motions filed by prosecution and defense
- Evidence logs
- Court minutes
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (restricted access)
- Plea agreements
- Appeal documentation
For Family Law Cases:
- Petitions for divorce, legal separation, or nullity
- Financial disclosure forms (restricted access)
- Child custody and support orders
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Marital settlement agreements
- Judgments
- Paternity determinations
- Mediation reports (restricted access)
For Probate Cases:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate or administration
- Inventories and appraisals
- Creditor claims
- Accounting reports
- Distribution orders
- Guardianship/conservatorship documents
Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket) that chronologically lists all proceedings and filings in the case, serving as an index to the complete case file.
How Long Does Shasta County Keep Court Records?
Shasta County Superior Court adheres to the records retention schedule established by California Government Code § 68152, which prescribes minimum retention periods for various court documents. The retention periods vary significantly based on case type and document importance:
Criminal Records:
- Capital felony cases with death sentence: Permanent retention
- Felony cases with life sentences: Permanent retention
- Other felony cases: 75 years from date of final 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 retention for judgment and custody/support orders
- Other family law documents: 30 years
- Domestic violence restraining orders: Permanent retention
Probate Records:
- Decedent estates: Permanent retention for final order
- Guardianship/conservatorship: Permanent retention for final order
- Trust matters: 10 years after case closure
Juvenile Records:
- Dependency cases: Until subject reaches age 28
- Delinquency cases (serious offenses): Until subject reaches age 38
- Delinquency cases (minor offenses): 5 years from final disposition
The California Judicial Council periodically reviews and updates these retention requirements. After the prescribed retention period, records may be destroyed or archived according to court policy.
Types of Courts In Shasta County
Shasta County's judicial system operates under California's unified court structure, with the Superior Court handling all case types. The court is organized into specialized departments:
Shasta County Superior Court - Main Courthouse
1500 Court Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM (Filing window closes at 3:00 PM)
Shasta County Superior Court - Juvenile Justice Center
2684 Radio Lane
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Burney Branch Court (Limited operations)
37014 Main Street
Burney, CA 96013
(530) 335-5296
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Within the California court hierarchy, cases from Shasta County Superior Court may be appealed to:
California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District
914 Capitol Mall, 4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-0209
California Courts of Appeal, Third District
The highest state court is:
California Supreme Court
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7000
California Supreme Court
Federal cases arising in Shasta County are heard in:
United States District Court, Eastern District of California
501 I Street, Suite 4-200
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 930-4000
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
What Types of Cases Do Shasta County Courts Hear?
The Shasta County Superior Court has jurisdiction over a wide range of case types:
Civil Division:
- Unlimited civil cases (claims exceeding $25,000)
- Limited civil cases (claims of $25,000 or less)
- Small claims actions (claims up to $10,000)
- Civil harassment restraining orders
- Name changes
- Elder abuse cases
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
- Civil appeals from small claims judgments
Criminal Division:
- Felony cases (preliminary hearings and trials)
- Misdemeanor cases
- Infractions (including traffic violations)
- Criminal protective orders
- Probation violations
- Mental health commitments
- Criminal appeals from lower courts
Family Law Division:
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Legal separation
- Nullity of marriage
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support establishment and modification
- Spousal support
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Paternity actions
- Adoptions
- Termination of parental rights
Probate Division:
- Decedent estates
- Trust proceedings
- Conservatorships
- Guardianships
- Elder care matters
- Mental health conservatorships
Juvenile Division:
- Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
- Delinquency cases (juvenile offenses)
- Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations)
- Emancipation of minors
Appeals Division:
- Appeals from small claims judgments
- Appeals from administrative hearings
- Writs of mandate, prohibition, and review
The court also handles specialized calendars including drug court, veterans treatment court, mental health court, and collaborative courts designed to address specific needs within the justice system.
How To Find a Court Docket In Shasta County
Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. Shasta County residents can access docket information through several methods:
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Online Docket Search:
- Visit the Shasta County Superior Court online services page
- Select "Court Case Records" from the available options
- Enter search criteria (case number preferred for most accurate results)
- Review the register of actions showing filing dates, document titles, and hearing information
- Note that some case types have restricted online access
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Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the courthouse during business hours
- Use self-service computer terminals in the Records Department
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Access more detailed docket information than available online
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Clerk's Office Assistance:
- Request docket information from court clerks at the Records Department counter
- Provide case number or party names
- Staff can print docket reports for a nominal fee
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Daily Court Calendars:
- Review daily court calendars showing scheduled hearings
- Calendars are posted online and at the courthouse
- Organized by department, judge, and case type
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Tentative Rulings:
- Check tentative rulings for upcoming or recent judicial decisions
- Posted by 3:00 PM the court day before scheduled hearings
For cases filed before digital conversion (approximately 2010), docket information may only be available through in-person requests at the Records Department.
Which Courts in Shasta County Are Not Courts of Record?
A "court not of record" is a judicial body that does not create or maintain official verbatim transcripts of its proceedings. In California, courts not of record are defined by Government Code § 70210 and typically include certain lower courts with limited jurisdiction.
Currently, all judicial proceedings in Shasta County take place in the Superior Court of California, County of Shasta, which is a court of record as established by Article VI, § 1 of the California Constitution. Following the court unification process completed in 2001, all former municipal courts, justice courts, and other lower courts were consolidated into the Superior Court system.
Prior to unification, Shasta County maintained several courts not of record, including:
- Justice Courts (rural districts)
- Municipal Courts (Redding Judicial District)
- Small Claims Courts
These former courts not of record handled minor civil matters, infractions, and misdemeanors. Their functions have been absorbed by the Superior Court, which maintains official records of all proceedings through court reporters or electronic recording as prescribed by Government Code § 69941 and California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956.
Small claims proceedings, while now part of the Superior Court, maintain some characteristics of courts not of record, as they:
- Follow simplified procedures
- Do not permit attorney representation at hearings
- Have limited appeal options
- Do not typically have court reporters present
However, small claims courts are technically divisions of the Superior Court and therefore courts of record under California law.
Lookup Court Records in Shasta County
Access Shasta County court case records