Records & Information

Please note: The Court does not confirm personal information about a party's identity over the phone or by email unless there is a Court business need to do so to assist a party, a party's attorney, a party's designee, or a justice parter agency. Personal information includes details such as date of birth, last four digits of a Social Security Number, address, or driver's license number. Individuals seeking personal information about a party may visit the courthouse to look up information on a court provided computer or submit a Research and Copy Request Form.

California Rules of Court provide the public with reasonable access to court records for viewing and copying. Court records are presumed to be open, unless they are considered confidential by statute or are sealed by a judge. Access to confidential cases is limited to parties to that case and government issued picture identification must be shown.

Before You Begin

Juvenile Court Files

• All Juvenile Court records are confidential. The minor, his or her parents or legal guardian(s), and attorneys of record may obtain copies of court minutes and selected court documents from the Juvenile division in Watsonville.
• Aside from parties or agencies granted access as provided by law, other individuals must follow the procedures detailed in California Rules of Court, Rule 5.552(c).

Sealed Records

Court proceedings are a matter of public record. However, the court has the power to seal court records. When a judge seals a record, the public is prevented from viewing specified files or documents without first obtaining a court order.

Destroyed Files/File Purging

Pursuant to Government Code Section 68152, we routinely purge court records.