San Bernardino County Court

San Bernardino County Court serves as the primary trial court for one of California’s largest counties. It manages civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases under the California courts system. The court follows statewide judicial rules and procedures. Its role supports fair hearings and consistent case handling.

San Bernardino County Court operates through multiple courthouse locations across the county. Each location focuses on specific case types to support smooth court operations. The court system helps residents handle filings, hearings, and case progress. Its structure reflects the broader judicial system used across California.

How to Search San Bernardino County Court Cases

The Court Access Portal of the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino allows users to search court records easily. You can search by case number, citation number, party name, or business name (some searches require login).

Official Portal Link:
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/online-services/case-information-documents
https://cap.sb-court.org/search

Search by Case Number

This is the fastest and most precise way to find a case.

Steps:

• Go to the Case Number Search section.
• Enter the full case number (minimum 5 and maximum 16 alphanumeric characters).
• Click Search.
• The portal will display the case details including filing date, case type, parties involved, and current status.

Tip: Make sure the case number is typed exactly as it appears on court documents.

Search by Citation Number

If you have a traffic or citation ticket, use this option:

Steps:

• Go to the Citation Number Search section.
• Enter the complete citation number.
• Click Search to view case details related to that citation.

Search by Party Name (Login Required)

For cases where the case number is unknown, you can search by party name. Note that this search requires creating a login account.

Steps:

• Go to the Party Search section.
• Choose whether to search by Legal Name (Use Name) or Also Known As (Use AKA).
• Enter the First Name, Middle Name (optional), and Last Name.
• Use a wildcard () if unsure of the full name (e.g., Jo for John or Joseph).
• Click Search. The portal will return a list of matching cases.

Search by Business Name (Login Required)

For cases involving a company or organization:

• Enter the Business Name in the Business Search field.
• Use a wildcard (*) if unsure of the exact name.
• Click Search to see related court records.

What is San Bernardino County Court

The San Bernardino County Court is a local trial court that handles civil, criminal, probate, family, and traffic cases in San Bernardino County, California. It serves as a central legal authority, providing justice and enforcing the law for residents and businesses throughout the county.

As part of the county judicial system, this court ensures that legal matters are resolved fairly and efficiently. Its responsibilities include hearing trials, managing case filings, and making rulings in accordance with California state law. The court operates multiple locations across the county, allowing community members to access its services without traveling long distances.

Who the Court Serves

The San Bernardino County Court serves a wide range of community members, including:

• Residents: Individuals involved in civil disputes, criminal cases, or family law matters.
• Businesses: Companies facing contract issues, commercial disputes, or regulatory compliance cases.
• Legal Professionals: Attorneys, paralegals, and court staff who rely on the court to carry out their professional duties.
• Government Agencies: Law enforcement, probation departments, and other public entities needing court oversight.

By providing a structured forum for dispute resolution, the court plays a critical role in maintaining public trust and community safety. Its rulings often impact daily life, from property ownership and child custody to criminal accountability.

Why the Court is Important

The court is essential to the county judicial system because it:

• Ensures Legal Accountability – By handling criminal and civil cases, the court holds individuals and organizations responsible under the law.
• Protects Rights – Court decisions safeguard civil liberties, property rights, and access to justice for everyone.
• Supports Community Stability – Through timely case management and transparent procedures, the court helps maintain order and public confidence.

San Bernardino Superior Court

The San Bernardino Superior Court is the main trial court in San Bernardino County, handling a broad range of legal cases, from civil and criminal matters to family and probate issues. Unlike smaller municipal or county courts, it has broader authority and serves as part of the Superior Court of California, San Bernardino, providing full-scale judicial services for the county.

County Court vs Superior Court

• County Court: Handles limited cases and specific local matters; historically, county courts existed for minor civil and criminal cases.
• Superior Court: Manages all major cases in the county, including felony trials, large civil disputes, family law, probate, and juvenile matters. It serves as the central hub for legal authority in San Bernardino.

The Superior Court’s structure ensures that cases receive professional adjudication from judges experienced in a wide variety of legal areas. This court also includes specialized divisions like Probate Court and Family Court, which focus on wills, estates, child custody, and domestic disputes. For residents seeking guidance on these matters, visiting the Probate Court or Family Court pages provides detailed instructions and resources.

Why the Superior Court Matters

• Comprehensive Legal Authority: Handles high-stakes civil, criminal, and family cases.
• Access to Specialized Divisions: Offers targeted services for probate, family law, and juvenile cases.
• Community Stability: Ensures fair resolution of disputes and enforces California law consistently.

Role in the California Judicial System

The California courts form a structured network that delivers justice across the state. The judicial system includes the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and state trial courts, such as the San Bernardino Superior Court, which handle most day-to-day legal matters.

State Trial Courts

Superior courts in California serve as the foundation of the judicial branch, resolving disputes, interpreting laws, and applying legal precedent. They manage cases that affect both individuals and public institutions, ensuring decisions comply with state law. This makes them vital in upholding fairness, protecting civil rights, and maintaining the rule of law across the state.

How the San Bernardino Superior Court Contributes

• Case Management: Handles criminal trials, civil lawsuits, probate, family law, and juvenile cases.
• Legal Authority: Functions as the primary venue for enforcing California law within the county.
• Public Service: Provides resources, self-help centers, and online tools to support citizens and legal professionals.

Types of Cases Handled by the Court

The San Bernardino Superior Court manages a wide variety of legal matters, ensuring that individuals, families, and organizations can resolve disputes under California law. Its divisions handle cases ranging from civil disputes to criminal trials, family law issues, and probate matters. Understanding the types of cases the court handles helps residents know where to turn for legal support and what to expect during proceedings.

Civil Cases

Civil cases involve disputes between individuals or organizations where one party seeks compensation or another legal remedy. These cases often arise from disagreements over contracts, property, personal injuries, or business dealings.

Key points about civil cases:

• Disputes and Lawsuits: The court resolves conflicts through trials, motions, or settlements.
• Case Filings: Individuals or businesses initiate cases by submitting legal documents detailing their claims.
• Legal Remedies: Courts may award damages, enforce contracts, or issue injunctions to prevent certain actions.

Civil cases can range from small claims under $10,000 to complex commercial disputes requiring detailed legal review. Efficient handling of these cases is vital for maintaining fairness in the county judicial system.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases involve the prosecution of individuals or entities accused of breaking the law. The San Bernardino Superior Court ensures that these matters follow due process and adhere to California’s legal standards.

Key aspects of criminal cases include:

• Charges and Hearings: Cases begin with an arrest or formal complaint, followed by arraignment and pretrial hearings.
• Trials: Evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and judges or juries determine guilt or innocence.
• Sentencing: Convicted individuals may face fines, probation, or incarceration, depending on the severity of the crime.

By managing criminal proceedings efficiently, the court protects public safety while upholding the legal rights of defendants.

Family Law Cases

Family law cases address issues involving relationships, parenting, and financial responsibilities. The Family Court division specializes in resolving these sensitive matters.

Common family law matters include:

• Divorce: Legal dissolution of marriage, including property division.
• Child Custody and Visitation: Determining parenting arrangements that serve the best interests of the child.
• Child Support and Spousal Support: Ensuring fair financial responsibility for children and former spouses.

Family law cases often require careful consideration, mediation, and court orders to ensure fair outcomes for all parties involved.

Probate Cases

Probate cases involve managing the estate of a deceased person or addressing legal guardianship matters. The court ensures that assets are distributed according to California law and the decedent’s wishes.

Key points about probate cases:

• Wills and Estates: The court validates wills and supervises estate administration.
• Guardianship: Appoints legal guardians for minors or incapacitated adults.
• Trusts and Inheritance: Oversees distribution of property, debts, and taxes related to the estate.

History of San Bernardino County Court

The San Bernardino County Court has a long and significant history, shaping the administration of justice in one of California’s largest counties. From its establishment to its role today, the court has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community and the California judiciary.

Establishment

San Bernardino County was officially formed in 1853, and shortly thereafter, the county established its first formal court system to manage legal disputes, criminal cases, and property matters. Early court sessions were held in modest facilities, reflecting the small population and limited resources of the time. Despite these humble beginnings, the court played a vital role in upholding law and order in a rapidly developing region.

Growth with County Population

As the county’s population expanded, especially during the late 19th and 20th centuries, the court system also grew. New courthouses and branch courts were added in Barstow, Victorville, Big Bear, and other regions to serve the community effectively. The court introduced specialized divisions, including civil, criminal, probate, and family law, to handle increasingly complex cases. This expansion mirrored the county’s urbanization and economic growth, ensuring that residents across the vast county had access to judicial services.

Role in the California Judiciary

Today, the San Bernardino County Court is a critical part of the California judicial system, functioning as a trial court within the state’s judicial branch. It ensures legal accountability, protects citizens’ rights, and enforces state law across a diverse and populous county. Its history reflects broader trends in judicial development, from early frontier courts to a modern, structured legal system capable of handling civil disputes, criminal trials, family matters, and probate cases efficiently.

San Bernardino County Court Locations

The San Bernardino County Court locations include multiple courthouses and judicial facilities across the county, making it easier for residents to access legal services within their jurisdiction. These courthouses handle civil, criminal, family, and probate matters, ensuring that residents and legal professionals can manage their cases efficiently.

Main Courthouse

San Bernardino Justice Center
The central courthouse handles major divisions, including civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases.

• Civil Division
  247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415‑0210
  Phone: (909) 708‑8678
• Criminal Division
  247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415‑0240
  Phone: (909) 384‑1888
• Probate Division
  247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415‑0212
  Phone: (909) 521‑3388
• Family Law Division
  351 North Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92415‑0245
  Phone: (909) 521‑3136

The Justice Center consolidates several court services for central San Bernardino residents, providing convenient access to multiple court divisions in one location.

District & Regional Courthouses

San Bernardino County also operates branch courts to serve different regions and ensure residents can access the judicial system without traveling long distances.

These regional courthouses ensure that residents in all parts of the county can file cases, attend hearings, and access court resources conveniently.

Jurisdiction by Location

Each courthouse serves specific areas or types of cases based on jurisdiction rules:

• San Bernardino Justice Center: Covers central county civil, criminal, family law, and probate cases.
• Regional Courts: Barstow, Big Bear, Needles, Fontana, and Joshua Tree handle cases for residents in their respective areas.
• Juvenile Courts: Focus on delinquency and dependency cases for minors.
• Child Support Division: Handles child support matters at the San Bernardino location.

The network of courthouses across San Bernardino County ensures efficient access to justice for all residents while reducing travel time and improving case management.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common questions about the San Bernardino County Court, helping residents understand court procedures, case management, and access to legal resources.

What types of cases does the San Bernardino County Court handle?

The court manages a wide range of cases, including:

• Civil cases: Disputes between individuals or businesses, such as contracts or personal injury claims.
• Criminal cases: Felonies and misdemeanors, including arraignments, trials, and sentencing.
• Family law cases: Divorce, child custody, visitation, and child support matters.
• Probate cases: Wills, estates, and guardianship proceedings.
• Traffic and infraction cases: Tickets, fines, and minor violations.

Each type of case is assigned to specialized divisions to ensure efficient handling.

How can I search for my court case?

You can search cases using the official court case information portal. Searches can be done:

• By case number for the most accurate results.
• By party name if the case number is unknown.

Make sure to have accurate details like the full party name, filing year, and case type to refine your search. For official searches, visit: San Bernardino County Court Case Search.

What should I bring to court?

When attending a hearing, always bring:

• Government-issued photo ID.
• Any court documents related to your case.
• Proof of payment if fees or fines are involved.
• Evidence or supporting documents if required for your case.

Arriving early ensures time for security screening and proper check-in.

How do I file a case or legal document?

Filing can typically be done:

• In person at the appropriate courthouse division.
• Online through the court’s e-filing system (for eligible case types).

Check with the clerk’s office for specific filing requirements, fees, and formats.

Can I represent myself in court?

Yes, you can act pro se (represent yourself), especially in civil, family, and small claims cases. However:

• Make sure to follow court procedures.
• Understand filing deadlines and required forms.
• Consider consulting an attorney for guidance on complex legal matters.

The court also offers self-help resources for those representing themselves.

How do I contact the San Bernardino County Court?

You can contact the court by:

• Calling the courthouse or the specific division relevant to your case.
• Visiting the courthouse during business hours.
• Using the online portal for case information, forms, and general inquiries.