Tehama County Court Records Search
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Tehama County is located in the northern Sacramento Valley of California, with Red Bluff serving as its county seat. The Superior Court of California, County of Tehama, is a unified trial court that handles all case types across multiple divisions, including civil, criminal, family law, probate, juvenile, traffic, and small claims. The court is served by four judicial officers, one commissioner, and one facilitator, with Honorable C. Todd Bottke serving as Presiding Judge and Mr. Kevin Harrigan as Court Executive Officer.
Residents and members of the public seeking court records in California can begin by reviewing the resources provided by the state’s judicial branch. CaliforniaCourts.us can help users locate publicly available court case information across the state. In Tehama County, records may be accessed through the clerk’s office at the courthouse, via public computer terminals on-site, through the court’s online calendar portal, or by submitting written requests by mail. The Tehama County Superior Court website provides centralized information about court divisions, forms, local rules, and electronic filing options.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Tehama County?
The Tehama County Superior Court consolidated its operations at a single main courthouse, though different divisions can be reached by separate phone lines. The building is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tehama County Superior Court
Address: 1740 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Main Phone: (530) 527-3484
Criminal/Traffic Division Phone: (530) 527-3563
Probate Division Phone: (530) 529-6104
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The courthouse has five departments. Department 1 is on the first floor, and Departments 2 through 5 are on the second floor. Free parking is available in the lots surrounding the building. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Methods for Looking Up a Case:
- In person — Visit the clerk’s office at the courthouse during business hours. Staff can assist with locating case information when you provide a case number, party name, or other identifying details. Public access terminals are also available on-site for electronic lookups.
- Online calendar — The court maintains an online calendar portal where upcoming hearing schedules can be searched. This does not provide full case file access but can confirm hearing dates and courtroom assignments.
- Online payments — The court accepts online payments for fines and fees. A docket number (found on the courtesy notice) is required to access an account.
- By mail — Send a written request to the clerk’s office specifying the defendant’s name, date of birth (if known), and the documents you want. Include a check payable to “Tehama County Superior Court” for the applicable fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- E-filing — The court accepts electronic filings through E-File CA for all case types except adoptions, covering initial and subsequent filings in civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters, as well as subsequent filings in criminal and traffic cases.
Copy Fees:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Photocopy | $0.50 per page (double-sided \= 2 pages) |
| Certified copy surcharge | $40.00 per document (plus copy fees) |
Payment can be made by check, cash, credit card, or money order. The court also accepts Western Union and Money Grams in person. Turnaround for mail requests is typically one to two business days after receipt.
Are Court Records Public in Tehama County?
California operates under a general presumption that court records are open to public inspection. Rule 2.503 of the California Rules of Court explicitly provides that electronic court records must be accessible to the public. Under Rule 2.502, a “court record” includes any document filed in a legal proceeding, as well as orders, judgments, and items described in Government Code section 68151(a), though reporter’s transcripts, judges’ preliminary memoranda, and personal notes are excluded.
Despite this broad presumption, several categories of records are restricted from public access by statute, court order, or rule:
- Social Security numbers and taxpayer identification numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Financial account information
- Search warrant and arrest warrant details (until executed or returned)
- Juvenile case records
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order under Rules 2.550–2.551
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Confidential medical or mental health records filed in proceedings
Records may also be sealed upon motion if the court finds an overriding interest that supports closure and no less restrictive means exist to protect that interest. Any member of the public who believes they have been improperly denied access to a court record may petition the court for review.
Criminal records maintained by law enforcement agencies — as distinct from court case files — are generally not public records. Under Penal Code sections governing criminal history information, full criminal history records are available only to the record subject or authorized entities.
Tehama County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Tehama County — including felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions — are processed through the Criminal Division of the Superior Court.
Tehama County Superior Court — Criminal Division
Address: 1740 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 527-3563
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Court staff maintain an index of filings and a record of dispositions for all criminal cases. Staff cannot provide criminal record information over the telephone. To obtain copies of documents from a criminal case, you may visit the clerk’s office in person or submit a written request by mail. Mail requests must include the defendant’s name, date of birth (if known), the specific documents requested, a check payable to “Tehama County Superior Court” in the appropriate amount, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Expungement and Rehabilitation
Individuals who have completed their sentences may petition the court to dismiss (expunge) certain convictions. If granted, the charges are dismissed and the petitioner is released from most penalties and disabilities. Some convictions are not eligible for dismissal. The California Courts Self-Help Center provides information on cleaning up a criminal record. Forms available through the court include the Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon and the Certificate of Rehabilitation local form.
Personal Criminal History Record Review
To obtain a copy of your own criminal history record through the California Department of Justice, complete a Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016RR) and submit it along with a valid photo ID and $25.00 fee to a Live Scan agency. The Tehama County Sheriff’s Office records division offers fingerprinting services. The DOJ Record Review page provides further details. Processing typically takes two to three business days, though complex cases may take longer. Fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals.
Tehama County Sheriff’s Office — Records Division
The Sheriff’s Office maintains records of arrests, investigations, booking logs, incident reports, and other law enforcement contacts.
Address: 22840 Antelope Boulevard, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 529-7940
Fax: (530) 529-7933
Email: records@tehamaso.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Requests for police reports, arrest records, and other Sheriff’s Office documents can be made in person, by phone, by fax, or by emailing the records division. Records that are private under the California Information Practices Act or other statutes may require a signed release.
Tehama County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Tehama County Superior Court handles lawsuits involving contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, foreclosures, evictions (unlawful detainer), and small claims matters. The same division also processes family law, probate, guardianship, conservatorship, and adoption cases.
Tehama County Superior Court — Civil Division
Address: 1740 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 527-3484
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Civil cases are categorized by the dollar amount in dispute:
| Case Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Small claims | Under $12,500 |
| Limited jurisdiction civil | Up to $35,000 |
| Unlimited jurisdiction civil | Over $35,000 |
Filing Requirements
When filing documents, provide one original plus the required number of copies. All documents must be stapled, organized, dated, and signed. Filing fees follow the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule. Common filing fees (effective January 1, 2024) include:
- Unlimited civil case (first paper): $435.00
- Limited civil case (first paper): $370.00
- Small claims (up to $1,500): $30.00
- Small claims ($1,500.01–$5,000): $50.00
- Small claims ($5,000.01–$12,500): $75.00
Individuals who cannot afford filing fees may submit an Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs.
Requesting Copies of Civil Records
Copies may be requested in person at the clerk’s office or by mail. Mail requests should include a letter specifying the case number and the documents needed, payment for copy fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Standard copy fees are $0.50 per page, plus a $40.00 surcharge per document for certification. The court accepts check, cash, credit card, or money order.
Tehama County Clerk & Recorder — Property Records
Property-related documents such as deeds, liens, maps, and financing statements are recorded and maintained by the Tehama County Clerk & Recorder, not the court. The Recorder’s office is located at:
Address: 633 Washington Street, Room 11, Red Bluff, CA 96080
P.O. Box 250, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 527-3350
Fax: (530) 527-1745
Email: recorder@tehama.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m.); Recording hours end at 4:00 p.m.
Recording fees start at $14.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, per Government Code section 27361. Certified copies from the Recorder’s office cost $3.00 per document, and photocopies are $1.50 per page.
Tehama County Family Court Records
Family law matters — including divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, parentage (paternity), and domestic violence restraining orders — are handled through the Civil Division of the Superior Court at the main courthouse. The court’s Family Court Services unit provides mediation when separating or divorcing parents cannot agree on a custody parenting plan. The Self-Help Assistance and Referral Program (SHARP) offers procedural guidance and legal forms for family law matters, though court employees cannot provide legal advice.
Filing fees for family law cases follow the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule. A dissolution (divorce) filing requires the same initial fees as other unlimited civil cases. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify. Copies of family law case records can be obtained from the clerk’s office using the same procedures and fees that apply to civil records: $0.50 per page for copies, $40.00 for certification, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Tehama County Clerk & Recorder. Both parties must appear together at the office to apply.
| Marriage Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Public (regular) marriage license | $70.00 |
| Confidential marriage license | $72.00 |
| Civil ceremony by Commissioner | $53.00 |
| Commissioner for a Day | $53.00 |
| Duplicate marriage license | $25.00 |
| Witness fee (county-provided) | $30.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $19.00 |
A marriage license is valid for 90 days after issuance and may be used anywhere in California. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the Recorder within 10 days. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested using the Application for Marriage Certificate. Mail requests require a notarized application and a check or money order for $19.00, sent to: Tehama County Recorder, P.O. Box 250, Red Bluff, CA 96080.
Non-confidential marriage records are available to the general public. Confidential marriage records are restricted to the individuals named on the record, immediate family members with supporting documentation, or those with legal authorization.
Birth and Death Records
The Tehama County Clerk & Recorder issues certified copies of birth and death certificates for events that occurred within Tehama County. Under Health and Safety Code Section 103526, authorized certified copies are limited to specific individuals, including the registrant, parents, legal guardians, immediate family members, attorneys, law enforcement, and funeral directors.
| Vital Record | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $31.00 |
| Death certificate | $26.00 |
Applications must be signed under penalty of perjury and acknowledged by a notary public when submitted by mail. Use the Application for Birth Certificate or Application for Death Certificate and mail with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Recorder. In-person requests are processed at the counter. Allow two working days for mail processing. Search fees are nonrefundable if no record is found. Requests may also be expedited through VitalChek.
Tehama County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Tehama County Superior Court handles matters involving decedent estates, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. The division operates from the main courthouse and can be reached at a dedicated phone line.
Probate Division Contact
Address: 1740 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 529-6104
Court Investigator: Fredrica Ditty
Conservatorships are established for adults who are physically or mentally unable to manage their personal care or financial affairs. They are divided into three types: general probate conservatorships (for adults incapacitated by injury, age, or dementia), limited probate conservatorships (for developmentally disabled adults, designed to preserve maximum independence), and LPS conservatorships (under the Welfare and Institutions Code for gravely disabled individuals requiring mental health treatment). Once a petition is filed, the court assigns an investigator to interview the proposed conservatee before the first hearing. After appointment, investigators regularly review the conservatee’s living situation, health, and financial accountings.
Guardianships involve a court appointing someone other than a parent to have custody of a minor (under age 18) or authority over a minor’s property. Guardianship of the estate allows financial decision-making and may require a bond or blocked account. The court investigates anyone seeking appointment as guardian. Guardianship forms, including both Judicial Council forms and local forms, are available in the Civil Clerk’s office and through the court website.
Probate records may be requested in person at the clerk’s office or by mail. The same copy fees apply: $0.50 per page for photocopies and a $40.00 surcharge for certified copies. Certain probate records — particularly those involving conservatees’ medical evaluations, confidential investigator reports, or sealed filings — may be accessible only to parties directly involved in the case. The court maintains a local rules page with additional procedural requirements for probate filings. Parties are strongly encouraged to seek legal counsel before representing themselves in guardianship, conservatorship, or estate matters, as failure to take timely action can result in serious legal consequences.