You can do a san bernardino court case lookup online through the superior court portal. The system gives you access to criminal, civil, and family records. Most case data appears within 24 hours of filing.
San Bernardino County handles over 200,000 new cases every year. That makes it one of the busiest court systems in California. Finding your case should not feel like a guessing game.
This guide walks you through every search method available in 2026. You will learn how to search by name, case number, and date. We cover all major case types and courthouse locations.
One surprising fact: nearly 30% of first-time searches fail. Most people use the wrong search filters or misspell a party name. This guide fixes those problems before they start.
Related: San Bernardino Superior Court Case Search Tips for 2026
San Bernardino Court Case Lookup
A san bernardino court case lookup is a search for case details in the county superior court system. You can run this search online or at any courthouse clerk window.
The online portal launched a major update in early 2026. It now includes remote document viewing for most case types. You no longer need to visit the courthouse for basic records.
Think of it like tracking a package online. You enter a few details and the system shows you the current status. The court portal works the same way for legal cases.
Quick Facts:
- System Name: CourtConnect
- Coverage: All San Bernardino County courthouses
- Update Frequency: Every 24 hours
- Cost: Free for basic case summaries
The portal covers five main courthouse locations. These include San Bernardino, Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga, Joshua Tree, and Barstow. Each location feeds data into the same central system.
San Bernardino Court Case Search
A san bernardino court case search lets you find active and closed cases by party name. This is the most common way people start looking for case information.
You type the last name of a plaintiff or defendant into the search bar. The system returns all matching cases across every case type. You can then filter by date range or case category.
The search works best when you have the exact spelling of a name. Common names like “Garcia” or “Smith” may return hundreds of results. Use middle initials or birth dates to narrow things down.
| Search Field | Required | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Last Name | Yes | Use exact spelling |
| First Name | No | Helps narrow results |
| Case Type | No | Filter by criminal or civil |
| Filing Year | No | Use four-digit format |
Most searches take less than 10 seconds to return results. The system handles thousands of queries per day without slowing down.
San Bernardino Superior Court Case Search
A san bernardino superior court case search covers all trial-level cases in the county. The superior court is the only trial court in San Bernardino County.
This court handles everything from murder trials to small claims disputes. In 2026, the court manages over 45 active courtrooms across five locations. Each courtroom generates its own case records daily.
The superior court search portal is the same CourtConnect system mentioned above. There is no separate portal for superior court versus municipal court. California unified its trial courts in 2001.
Key Detail: All trial cases in the county fall under the superior court. There is no separate municipal or county court system anymore.
You can access the portal from any device with a web browser. Mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers all work. The 2026 update improved the mobile interface significantly.
Key Takeaway: The CourtConnect portal is your single starting point for all san bernardino court case lookup needs, covering every case type and courthouse location in the county.
San Bernardino Court Records Online
San bernardino court records online are available through the CourtConnect portal and the California Courts statewide system. Both platforms provide free access to basic case summaries.
The CourtConnect portal shows case titles, filing dates, and hearing schedules. You can view docket entries and minute orders for most case types. Full document images require a separate request in some cases.
California Government Code Section 68150 governs public access to these records. The law requires courts to make most records available to the public. Certain sealed or confidential cases are excluded.
| Record Type | Available Online | Available In Person |
|---|---|---|
| Case Summary | Yes | Yes |
| Docket Entries | Yes | Yes |
| Minute Orders | Most | All |
| Filed Documents | Some | All |
| Sealed Records | No | By court order |
Records from 2010 and later are almost entirely digitized. Older cases may require a visit to the clerk’s office. The court archives physical files going back several decades.
San Bernardino Criminal Case Lookup
A san bernardino criminal case lookup lets you find felony and misdemeanor case details. These records include charges, arraignment dates, bail amounts, and case dispositions.
Criminal records are among the most searched case types in the county. The portal shows the defendant’s name, case number, and current status. You can see whether a case is pending or resolved.
Felony cases typically move through several stages before resolution. These include arraignment, preliminary hearing, and trial. Each stage generates new docket entries you can track online.
Important: Juvenile criminal records are not available through the online portal. California law seals most juvenile case files from public view. You must visit the juvenile courthouse in person with proper authorization.
| Case Stage | What You Will Find |
|---|---|
| Arraignment | Charges and plea entered |
| Preliminary Hearing | Evidence summary and rulings |
| Trial | Verdict and sentencing |
| Post-Conviction | Appeal status and modifications |
Misdemeanor cases resolve faster than felonies. Most misdemeanor records show a final disposition within six months. Felony cases can take a year or longer to close.
San Bernardino Civil Case Search
A san bernardino civil case search covers lawsuits between private parties. This includes personal injury claims, contract disputes, and property disagreements.
Civil cases make up roughly 40% of the superior court’s annual filings. The online portal lets you search by plaintiff name, defendant name, or case number. You can also filter by filing year.
Civil case records show the complaint, motions, and court orders. Settlement details may or may not appear in the public docket. Many civil cases settle before trial and the terms stay private.
Think of a civil case like a business transaction gone wrong. One party claims harm and the other party responds. The court record tracks every step of that dispute.
Quick Stats for 2026:
- Average civil case duration: 14 months
- Most common type: Contract disputes
- Median filing fee: $435 for unlimited civil cases
Unlimited civil cases involve claims over $25,000. Limited civil cases involve claims of $25,000 or less. The search portal lets you filter by both categories.
Key Takeaway: Criminal and civil case searches use the same portal but return very different information, so always select the correct case type filter before running your san bernardino court case search.
San Bernardino Court Docket Search
A san bernardino court docket search shows the chronological list of events in a case. The docket is essentially a timeline of every filing, hearing, and court order.
Each docket entry includes a date, a description, and the filing party. You can see when motions were filed, when hearings took place, and when rulings were issued. The docket is the backbone of any case record.
In 2026, the court system upgraded its docket display format. Entries now load faster and include clickable links to related documents. This makes it easier to follow complex cases with many filings.
| Docket Entry Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Complaint Filed | Plaintiff submits initial lawsuit |
| Motion to Dismiss | Defendant requests case dismissal |
| Hearing Held | Judge reviews arguments in court |
| Judgment Entered | Final decision recorded |
Docket searches are especially useful for tracking active litigation. If you are a party to a case, checking the docket weekly keeps you informed. New entries can appear without any notification sent to you.
San Bernardino Court Case Number Search
A san bernardino court case number search is the fastest way to find a specific case. The case number is a unique identifier assigned when the case is first filed.
San Bernardino case numbers follow a standard California format. They typically start with a year, followed by a case type code and a sequence number. An example looks like “SBCV2026001234.”
The case type code tells you what kind of case it is. “CV” means civil. “CR” means criminal. “FL” means family law. “PR” means probate.
| Code | Case Type |
|---|---|
| CV | Civil |
| CR | Criminal |
| FL | Family Law |
| PR | Probate |
| TR | Traffic |
| SC | Small Claims |
If you have the case number, skip the name search entirely. The case number search returns the exact case in under two seconds. Name searches can return dozens of false matches.
You can find your case number on any court document you received. It appears at the top of complaints, summons, and hearing notices. Look for a string of letters and numbers near the court name.
San Bernardino Traffic Court Case Lookup
A san bernardino traffic court case lookup helps you find details about traffic citations and violations. This includes speeding tickets, DUI charges, and red light camera cases.
Traffic cases are the highest-volume case type in the county. The superior court processes over 80,000 traffic matters each year. Most of these are infractions that resolve quickly.
The online portal lets you search by citation number or driver’s license number. You can also search by name if you do not have the citation handy. The system shows your court date, fine amount, and case status.
Quick Facts:
- Average traffic fine: $238 to $490
- Court appearance required: Only for misdemeanors
- Online payment available: Yes, for most infractions
- Traffic school option: Available for eligible violations
If you received a ticket in 2026, your case should appear online within 48 hours. The court receives electronic data directly from law enforcement agencies. Delays beyond 48 hours are rare but possible.
Key Takeaway: Traffic, family, and criminal case lookups all use the same CourtConnect portal, but each case type has unique search fields and data restrictions you should know before searching.
San Bernardino Family Court Case Search
A san bernardino family court case search covers divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence cases. These records are more restricted than other case types due to privacy laws.
Family law cases involve sensitive personal matters. California law limits public access to many family court documents. You can see the case title and filing date, but detailed records may be sealed.
The online portal shows basic case information for family law matters. You can find the case number, parties involved, and hearing dates. Financial declarations and custody evaluations are not publicly viewable.
| Document Type | Public Access |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution | Yes |
| Child Custody Orders | Limited |
| Financial Declarations | No |
| Domestic Violence Orders | Partial |
| Child Support Calculations | No |
To access restricted family court records, you must be a party to the case. You can also request records through an attorney with proper authorization. The clerk’s office at the Rancho Cucamonga courthouse handles most family law matters.
San Bernardino Court Calendar Lookup
A san bernardino court calendar lookup lets you find upcoming hearing dates and courtroom assignments. This is essential if you need to attend a hearing or track a case timeline.
The court publishes its daily calendar online each evening for the next business day. You can search by judge name, courtroom number, or case number. The calendar shows the time, case type, and hearing purpose.
In 2026, the court expanded remote hearing options significantly. Many routine hearings now take place via video conference. The calendar indicates whether a hearing is in-person, remote, or hybrid.
Calendar Search Tips:
- Search by case number for the most accurate results
- Check the calendar the evening before your hearing
- Arrive 30 minutes early for in-person hearings
- Test your video connection before remote hearings
The main San Bernardino courthouse holds the most daily hearings. Victorville and Rancho Cucamonga are the next busiest locations. Joshua Tree and Barstow handle smaller caseloads.
San Bernardino Court Case Status
San bernardino court case status refers to the current phase of a legal proceeding. Common statuses include “pending,” “disposed,” “stayed,” and “appealed.”
You can check case status through the CourtConnect portal at any time. The status field updates automatically when the court enters a new order. Most status changes appear within one business day.
A “pending” status means the case is still active. A “disposed” status means the case has reached a final resolution. A “stayed” status means the case is temporarily paused by court order.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is active and ongoing |
| Disposed | Case is closed or resolved |
| Stayed | Case is temporarily paused |
| Appealed | Case moved to appellate court |
| Dismissed | Case was thrown out |
If your case shows “disposed” but you believe it is still active, contact the clerk’s office. Clerical errors occasionally cause incorrect status updates. The clerk can verify the true status of your case.
Key Takeaway: Checking your san bernardino court case status regularly helps you stay on top of deadlines, hearing dates, and any changes to your case that could affect your rights or obligations.
San Bernardino Probate Case Search
A san bernardino probate case search covers estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships. These cases handle the legal transfer of assets after someone dies.
Probate cases tend to move slowly compared to other case types. A typical probate administration takes 9 to 18 months in San Bernardino County. Complex estates with disputes can take several years.
The online portal shows the decedent’s name, the appointed executor, and hearing dates. You can also see whether the estate has been distributed or is still under administration. Will contests and creditor claims appear in the docket.
Probate Quick Facts:
- Average duration: 12 to 18 months
- Filing fee: $435 for standard petitions
- Required hearings: At least two for most estates
- Public access: Full docket is publicly viewable
Probate records are fully public in California. Anyone can search for a probate case by the decedent’s name. This is different from family law, where many records are restricted.
The probate division operates primarily out of the San Bernardino downtown courthouse. Some probate hearings also take place in Victorville for residents of the high desert area.
San Bernardino Small Claims Case Lookup
A san bernardino small claims case lookup helps you find cases involving disputes of $10,000 or less. Small claims court is designed for quick resolution without attorneys.
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000 in California small claims court. Businesses are limited to $5,000 per claim. The process is simpler and faster than regular civil litigation.
The online portal shows small claims cases under the “SC” case type code. You can search by plaintiff or defendant name. The records show the claim amount, hearing date, and judgment.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Maximum Claim (Individual) | $10,000 |
| Maximum Claim (Business) | $5,000 |
| Filing Fee | $30 to $75 |
| Typical Resolution Time | 2 to 3 months |
| Attorney Allowed | No |
Small claims judgments are public records. If someone sued you or you sued someone, the judgment will appear in the online system. These records can affect credit reports and background checks.
San Bernardino Court Public Records
San bernardino court public records include all case files that California law allows the public to view. The California Rules of Court govern which records are open and which are sealed.
Most court records are public by default. This includes criminal convictions, civil judgments, and probate filings. The public has a right to inspect these records under state law.
Certain records are automatically sealed by statute. These include juvenile delinquency files, adoption records, and mental health proceedings. You cannot access these records through the online portal or in person without a court order.
Public vs. Sealed Records:
- Public: Criminal cases, civil lawsuits, traffic citations, probate
- Restricted: Family law financial details, juvenile cases
- Sealed: Adoption records, mental health files, expunged cases
In 2026, California expanded remote access to public court records. You can now view more document images online without visiting the courthouse. This change applies to cases filed after January 2020.
The clerk’s office charges a per-page fee for certified copies of public records. Standard copies cost less than certified ones. Fee schedules are posted at each courthouse and on the court website.
Key Takeaway: Most san bernardino court public records are freely searchable online, but sealed and restricted records require special authorization or a court order to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I look up a court case in San Bernardino County?
Go to the CourtConnect portal on the San Bernardino Superior Court website. Enter the party name or case number in the search bar. Results appear within seconds for most active and recent cases.
Is the San Bernardino court case search free to use?
Yes, basic case searches and summary views are completely free. You only pay fees if you request certified copies or physical document reproductions. Online document viewing is free for most case types in 2026.
How far back do San Bernardino court records go online?
Online records generally go back to 2010 for most case types. Cases filed before 2010 may require an in-person visit to the clerk’s office. The court maintains physical archives for records going back several decades.
Can I search San Bernardino court cases by name?
Yes, you can search by the last name of any party involved in the case. Adding a first name or middle initial helps narrow results for common surnames. The system searches across all case types simultaneously.
What types of cases appear in San Bernardino court records?
The system includes criminal, civil, family law, traffic, probate, and small claims cases. Juvenile and adoption records are excluded from public access. Each case type has its own search filters and data fields.
Your next step is simple. Head to the CourtConnect portal and run your search today. Have your case number or full legal name ready for the best results. Check back weekly if your case is still active, because new entries can appear without notice.
