Tehama County Court Records

Under Rule 2.502 of the California Rules of Court, a California "court record" comprises any paper, document, or exhibit filed throughout a legal action or proceeding and any orders or judgments issued by the court. Additionally, it includes items specified in Government Code section 68151(a) but specifically excludes reporter's transcripts, judges' preliminary memoranda, and personal notes.

These records typically contain details about the case and the involved parties, offering a comprehensive overview of the legal process from commencement to conclusion. The court records maintained by Tehama County, similar to those in other parts of California, hold significant importance as they provide the general public with accessible and understandable insights into the workings of a typical court session, the application of the law, and the repercussions of one's actions within the judicial system.

Reviewing a court record allows individuals to observe firsthand how the legal system functions, enhancing public understanding of legal proceedings and judicial processes. Furthermore, these records can serve as valuable resources for research purposes or as points of reference in cases of appeals. It is a common practice that court records are the property of the courthouse where the case was adjudicated and are meticulously preserved by the clerk serving the courthouse.

Are Court Records Public in Tehama County?

Yes. While there is no specific law mandating the universal accessibility of all court records in Tehama, the general presumption is that court records are open and available to the public. This is reinforced by Rule 2.503 of the California Rules of Court, which explicitly states that electronic court records are accessible to the public. Despite the general accessibility of court records, certain records are confidential and not open to public access under specific laws, court orders, or statutes. Examples of such restricted records or information include Social Security numbers, details related to search warrants, financial information, specifics of arrest warrants, details about witnesses and victims, driver's license numbers, juvenile records, and adoption records.

Tehama County Court Records Search

In Tehama County, the judicial system offers several avenues for accessing court case records. Individuals can inspect case records in person by visiting the courthouse or using public computers to look up electronic case records. Furthermore, remote access to records is facilitated through the case management system. For added convenience, individuals can access court records through private databases, albeit for a fee.

Tehama County Courts

Tehama County has three superior courts, each with its jurisdiction, handling a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, traffic, and juvenile matters. These courts are located in the following locations:

Superior Courts in Tehama County

Tehama County Superior Court - Civil Division
633 Washington Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 527-6441
Fax: (530) 527-0984

This division handles civil, family law, probate, and small claims cases.

Tehama County Superior Court - Criminal and Traffic Divisions
445 Pine Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 527-3563
Fax: (530) 527-0956

Criminal, juvenile, and traffic cases are heard at this location.

Tehama County Superior Court - Juvenile Justice Center
1790 Walnut Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 527-3563
Fax: (530) 527-0956

Tehama County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Tehama are not considered public information. While individuals do have the right to access Tehama County arrest records, which are generally a part of an individual's criminal record, the full details of the record are only available to the record holder or authorized entities as per legal provisions or court orders. Although Tehama arrest records fall under the purview of the Open Record Law in California, broader criminal records are not governed by the same legislation.

Individuals seeking to review their criminal record in Tehama can do so by completing a request for a Live Scan service form provided by the California Department of Justice online. Once the form is filled out, it can be submitted to the county Sheriff's office. A fee of $25 is typically charged for processing the request, following which the DOJ will provide the requested criminal history information.

The processing time for obtaining a criminal record is normally two to three days. However, in rare cases where additional work is necessary to retrieve the record, the processing time may be extended beyond the standard timeframe.

Furthermore, residents of Tehama also have the option to request their criminal records from the FBI.

Get Tehama County Civil Court Records

The civil division of the superior court in Tehama is responsible for managing civil cases. This division holds jurisdiction over various civil matters, including small claims, family law, probate, minor's compromises, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. Typically, the records of all cases handled by the court are carefully maintained and stored by the presiding court.

Various options are available for individuals seeking access to these court records. One can visit the courthouse in person to review hard copies of the records accessible to the public, use the computers in the designated public terminal area, or remotely access the required records through mail by sending a written inquiry to the Office of the Clerk. To retrieve the record, the requester must provide specific identifying information, especially the case number. While inspecting the records is usually free of charge, a fee may be applicable for requesting copies of the records.

Tehama County Marriage Records

The Tehama County Recorder is responsible for maintaining the marriage records for Tehama County. Marriage certificates in Tehama can be categorized as either confidential or non-confidential. Non-confidential records are available to the general public for $17. However, access to sealed records is limited to the individuals named on the record, immediate family members (with supporting documentation), or those legally permitted to request the record. Requests for Tehama County marriage certificates can be made through mail or in person. Applicants are required to submit a completed application for a certified copy of a marriage certificate along with the required fee.

Tehama County Divorce Records

Traditionally, the civil division of the superior court in Tehama oversees divorce proceedings. Individuals interested in obtaining a Tehama County divorce record or certificate can contact the Recorder's office or visit the courthouse to submit an oral or written request to review the case file. It is important to note that requestors can access only records classified as public.

Tehama County Birth and Death Records

Tehama County's vital records encompass birth and death records, and these can only be accessed by individuals designated under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 for ordering certified copies of birth or death certificates. In Tehama County, eligible individuals include the registrant (in the case of a birth certificate), the parent or legal guardian, immediate family members, individuals specified by court order, attorneys adhering to specific Family Code sections, law enforcement or government representatives, attorneys representing the registrant or their estate, court-appointed representatives, and funeral directors acting on behalf of individuals under Health & Safety Code 7100.

Access to Tehama County vital records is possible through a government-authorized private vendor or from the Office of the Recorder. Requests can be made via mail or in person using the respective forms—Application for Birth Certificate or Application for Death Certificate. A Tehama birth certificate fee is $29, while a Tehama death certificate is $24.

These birth records are crucial for obtaining identification documents like passports, driver's licenses, and social security cards. Similarly, claiming death benefits or inheritance necessitates the presentation of a death certificate.

Tehama County Probate Court Records

The Probate Court, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court overseeing civil matters, specializes in handling various cases such as trusts, decedent estates, conservatorships, and guardianships. One of its key functions is to preserve and maintain records of the proceedings conducted meticulously. Should any member of the public require a copy of these records, they can easily communicate with the court clerk either in person or by sending a formal request via mail. Upon providing the necessary information on the specific record sought, the requester will be granted access to it. While certain records are open to public scrutiny, others may only be accessible to parties directly involved in the particular case being referenced.

Tehama County Property Records

The property records in Tehama County are generally accessible to the public and can be requested by any individual. A property record typically includes documents like maps, plats, and deeds, as well as information such as ownership details, parcel or building descriptions, parcel numbers, existing liens, assessment values, location, and historical significance.

The management of property records in Tehama County falls under the responsibility of the county Assessor, who is tasked with identifying owners of taxable properties, assessing them, and maintaining these records alongside submitted documents.

Access to these records can be obtained online through the approved private contractor or by contacting the Assessor via mail or email. Requesters also have the option to visit the Office of the Assessor in person to make inquiries. Contact details for the Assessor's Office are provided below:

Office of the Assessor
444 Oak Street Room B
Red Bluff, CA 96080
P.O. Box 428
Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 527-5931
Fax: (530) 529-4019
Email: assessor@tehama.gov

Tehama County Court Records Online

Californiacourtrecords.us is among the various independently operated websites that provide access to Tehama court records. These websites typically charge a fee; however, some provide limited search capabilities for free.

Although finding court records on non-governmental websites is convenient, individuals seeking this information must consider the advantages and disadvantages carefully. For example, while third-party websites offer a wide range of information beyond the events within a specific county, the reliability of the curated information may be questionable as these sites often gather information from diverse sources. Furthermore, while these websites are generally user-friendly, users may be required to register and pay a fee to access search results.