Merced County Court Records

Merced County court records are official documents that provide a comprehensive account of legal proceedings and cases handled within the judicial district of Merced County, California.

The information typically found in Merced County court records includes case details such as parties involved, dates of filings, motions, hearings, and trial transcripts. They also contain rulings, judgments, orders, and other relevant documents pertaining to the progress and resolution of legal disputes. Additionally, court records may include information about legal fees, appeals, and any subsequent actions related to the case.

Are Court Records Public in Merced County?

Yes, court records in Merced County are typically viewed as public records available to the public per Rule 2.500 of the California Rules of Court. This rule affirms individuals' entitlement to access trial court records preserved in electronic form while safeguarding privacy interests. However, certain restrictions or limitations may apply to accessing sealed records, confidential information, and details of sensitive cases.

Merced County Court Records Search

In Merced County, individuals can search for court records using various methods, including:

• The county courthouses
• Online database provided by the court where the case was heard
• State of California Department of Justice
• Third-party websites

Merced County Court Records Search by Name

To perform a name-based court records search in Merced County, individuals may access the county court's online portal or visit the courthouse in person.

Court Records search by name using the court's online portal: The online portal of the Superior Cout of California, County of Merced allows individuals to search court records by name. Users may perform name-based searches without registration. However, to purchase documents, users must be registered and logged into the system. During a name-based search, individuals need to enter the name in the Last, First Middle Suffix format to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the search results. For each document purchased through the online portal, there is a minimum transaction fee of $1.

Court Records search by name via court's public terminals and database: Inquirers can perform a name-based court records search by visiting the courthouses in person, contacting via email, or calling by telephone. Requesters may use the self-service options available at the court's public terminals and databases. Clerk-assisted searches are also available at the courthouse. For search requests sent by mail, individuals should include a check or money order, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a completed Record/Search/Copy Request form.

If the amount due is uncertain at the time of the request, individuals can submit a signed check with the amount left blank, indicating "amount not to exceed $xx.xx". Requests without a self-addressed stamped envelope will result in additional fees for postage and envelope costs. Court staff also accommodate telephone requests from defendants or attorneys for calendar or case information. All other record search requests must be submitted in writing or in person using the Record/Search/Copy Request form.

Copies of documents are charged separately at fifty cents ($0.50) per page, and certified copies incur a fee of forty dollars ($40) per certification. Additionally, a fee of fifteen dollars ($15) is applied to searches that exceed ten (10) minutes conducted by court employees.

Merced County Courts

In Merced County, the court system consists solely of the Superior Cout of California, County of Merced. This court has jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. The addresses and contact information for courthouses in Merced County are as follows:

Los Banos Division - The Robert M. Falasco Justice Center
The Robert M. Falasco Justice Center
1159 G St
Los Banos, CA 93635
(209) 725-4124

Los Banos Juvenile Division
Juvenile Division
2840 W. Sandy Mush Road
Merced, CA 95341
(209) 725-4119

Ogletree Jr. Courthouse (N Street Building)
2260 N Street
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 725-4100

Old Merced Courthouse (21st Street Building)
627 W 21st Street
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 725-4100

Traffic Division
720 West 20th Street
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 725-4107

Merced County Superior Court Case Search

To search for court cases in Merced County Superior Court, inquirers may do the following:

• Visit the Merced County Superior Court Website: Navigate to the official website of the Merced County Superior Court.
• Access the Case Search Tool: Locate the section or link labeled "Online Records" on the website. Click on the "Odyssey Public Portal" button, then select the "Smart Search" button on the public portal page.
• Enter Case Details: Input relevant information such as the defendant's name, case number, or other identifying details related to the criminal case being searched.
• Review Search Results: After submitting the search, review the displayed results to locate the specific criminal case of interest. The information may include case status, court dates, charges, and other pertinent details.

The Merced County Superior Court handles various types of cases, including:

• Criminal Cases:
  • Felonies: Serious offenses like murder, robbery, and drug trafficking.
  • Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses such as petty theft, DUI, and simple assault.
• Civil Cases:
  • General Civil Disputes: Involving contracts, property damage, or personal injury claims.
  • Small Claims: Matters under a specified dollar limit.
  • Family Law Cases: Including divorce, child custody, spousal support, and domestic violence issues.
• Probate Cases: Involving wills, trusts, and estates of deceased individuals.
• Juvenile Cases:
  • Delinquency Cases: Involving minors accused of criminal conduct.
  • Dependency Cases: Concerning the welfare of children, including abuse or neglect.
• Traffic Cases: Addressing traffic infractions and violations of vehicle codes.

Merced County District Court Records

The Merced County District Court, also known as the Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, primarily handles appellate cases within its jurisdiction. The court's primary purpose is to provide an intermediate review of trial court decisions and other matters prescribed by statute. It covers nine counties in central California, including Merced County.

Accessing records specific to the Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District involves utilizing the California Appellate Courts Case Information System. To do so, inquirers may visit the California Appellate Courts Case Information System and navigate to the online system provided by the California courts. Users can begin a search by supplying the trial court, Court of Appeal, or Supreme Court case number. Alternatively, searches can be conducted using case caption, attorney, party information, or court calendar date for Court of Appeal cases. After initiating the search, review the case information displayed, which may include case status, filings, and other relevant details.

The Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District primarily handles appellate matters, including:

• Appeals from trial court decisions
• Writ petitions for emergency relief
• Motions related to appellate cases

Merced County Criminal Records

Merced County criminal records are managed by the City of Merced Police Department and the State of California Department of Justice.

City of Merced Police Department: In Merced County, individuals can access criminal records as well as Merced County Arrest Records managed by law enforcement agencies through the Records Division of the Merced Police Department. The Records Division is responsible for transcribing, copying, and filing all police reports generated by the department, as well as managing the subpoena and warrants service process and report mailings.

To obtain criminal records in Merced County, individuals can visit or contact the Records Division during office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays), and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).

The contact information of the Records Division of the Merced Police Department is as follows:

Main Police Station
611 W. 22nd Street, Merced.
Phone: (209) 385-6912
Fax: (209) 385-8808

State of California Department of Justice: The State of California Department of Justice serves as the central repository for crime-related data and records within California. Individuals seeking their own criminal records can request a copy of their criminal history record from the Department to review for accuracy and completeness. Third-party requests are not authorized and will not be processed.

To obtain a copy of their criminal history record, individuals must:

• Obtain Live Scan fingerprints from a certified Live Scan location. They can contact their local law enforcement agency or other available locations.
• Complete the Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016).
• Pay the required $25 processing fee to the DOJ.
• Ensure all necessary information is accurate and complete before submitting the request.

For further assistance or inquiries, individuals can contact the California Department of Justice at:

California Department of Justice
Record Review Unit
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
Phone: (916) 227-3828

Merced County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To lookup criminal court case information in Merced County, individuals can follow the same steps outlined for conducting a Merced County Superior Court Case Search.

Get Merced County Civil Court Records

Merced County civil court records cover a wide range of cases including:

• Civil cases, including lawsuits related to contracts, property disputes, personal injury claims, and family law matters like divorce and child custody.
• Small claims cases involving disputes over smaller amounts of money.
• Probate cases dealing with wills, trusts, and estates.
• Adoption, juvenile dependency, civil harassment, name changes, unlawful detainers (evictions), elder abuse, conservatorship, guardianship, and emancipation matters fall under civil court records.

To access civil court records in Merced County, individuals can follow specific requirements and processes outlined by its custodian, the clerk of the Merced County Superior Court. The available channels for retrieving these records include the Online Portal Search, In-Person Search at Courthouse, and mail requests.

Merced County Family Court Records

In Merced County, the Family Law Division of the Superior Court of California, Merced County, manages family law matters and administers a range of family-related cases and services, including child custody issues, parental agreements, and other family law proceedings. This division handles divorce (Dissolution of Marriage), child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support (alimony), domestic violence restraining orders, adoption, guardianship, parentage (paternity) actions, and modifications of court orders.

Various search options are available for individuals to access family court records in Merced County:

• They can submit a Search Request through Mail, which requires including a check or money order, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a Record/Search/Copy Request form. If the amount due is unknown, they can submit a signed check with the notation "amount not to exceed $xx.xx," and the Clerk will fill in the amount.
• Access to public terminals and databases is provided for Self-Serve In-Person Searches, allowing individuals to conduct searches independently.
• Court staff can assist individuals in person with Clerk-Assisted In-Person Requests.
• Telephone Requests are accommodated for defendants or their attorneys seeking calendar or case information, while other record search requests must be submitted in writing or in person.

Search fees are determined based on the time spent searching:

• If only the name of the defendant or plaintiff is provided, and the search exceeds ten minutes, a fee of fifteen dollars ($15) is charged.
• For requests for specific documents within a case file, the search fee begins when the search for the document commences or when the case file number must be identified.
• Copy fees, separate from search fees, are charged at fifty cents ($.50) per page, with certified copies incurring an additional forty-dollar ($40) fee per certification.

Merced Dissolution of Marriage Records

The dissolution of marriage records in Merced County encompasses all documentation related to divorces or annulments processed by a local court. These records are classified as family court documents. They are accessible either by visiting the courthouse where the case was heard or by utilizing online case search systems, as detailed in the "Merced County Family Court Records" section.

Merced County Marriage and Divorce Records

In Merced County, marriage and divorce records are maintained by the County Recorder's Office. These records are accessible to the public, subject to certain restrictions and requirements.

To obtain a copy of a marriage and divorce certificate in Merced County, individuals can submit an application to the Merced County Recorder's Office using the address below:

Recorder's Office
2222 M St., Main Floor
Merced, CA 95340

Requests should include specific details such as the parties' names to the marriage/divorce, the date of marriage, the location where the marriage license was issued, the case number, and the approximate date of the divorce decree. Certified copies of marriage certificates can typically be obtained for a fee.

Merced County Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records in Merced County, California are considered part of the county's vital records. Per California law, birth and death records are considered confidential for a certain period after the event occurs. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Merced County Recorder's Office manage birth and death records in Merced County and provide them to interested and eligible members of the public.

To access these records, inquirers may submit a formal request along with the required fee ($29 for birth certificates and $24 for death certificates) and supporting documentation directly to the Merced County Recorder's Office. These records may be restricted to specific individuals or entities under California law. Generally, eligible requestors include the individual named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or other authorized parties with a tangible interest.

Limitations on accessing birth and death records are in place to protect individual privacy and prevent unauthorized use of sensitive information. The restrictions ensure that only those with a legitimate need, such as for legal or genealogical purposes, can obtain certified copies of these records.

Merced County Probate Court Records

Merced County's probate court records encompass various case types handled by the Probate Department, including decedents' estates, trusts, guardianships of minors, conservatorships of adults, and minor's compromises. These records document legal proceedings related to the administration of estates, the management of trusts, and matters concerning guardianships and conservatorships.

To obtain probate court records in Merced County, individuals can contact the Probate Unit of the Clerk's Office at (209) 725-4111. The custodians of these records can provide information on fees, required forms, and the status of court orders.

Merced County Property Records

Merced County property records are managed and disseminated by the Merced County Recorder's Office. Accessing property records provides valuable information for property owners, real estate professionals, researchers, and the general public interested in understanding property ownership, transactions, and historical data within Merced County.

Interested parties can obtain various types of property-related information like deeds, liens, maps, and notices from these records. The Merced County Recorder maintains Recorder Works Search and Retrieval, a digitized Grantor/Grantee index database of property records since 1963. Search can be made on this database by Name, Document Number, Document Type, Map, Recording Date, Book, and Page.

Individuals access property records within Merced County by visiting the Merced County Clerk-Recorder's Office in person for records recorded prior to 1963. Within the office, they can view documents free of charge and purchase copies for a fee, which includes $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, with an additional $2.00 fee for certified documents. Alternatively, copies can be ordered via mail, payable by cashier's check or credit card using the Credit Card Application Form found on the Recorder's Web Page. Orders can also be submitted via email for those unable to visit in person at the address below:

2222 M St.
Main Floor
Merced, CA 95340
Phone: (209) 385-7627
Fax: (209) 385-7626

Merced County Court Records Online

Interested members of the public may also obtain Merced County court records through third-party online resources. These platforms offer convenient options for individuals seeking court information and allow users to conduct searches based on case numbers, party names, or other relevant criteria. Third-party online resources like Californiacourtrecords.us are user-friendly and are especially an expeditious option for document retrieval.

However, these platforms may not always provide the most current or accurate information compared to official court databases. Additionally, accessing detailed court records or certain features may require payment or subscription fees.