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Butte County, California State Court Records

Court records are official documents created during proceedings on a case. Court records comprise all documents filed, actions, and events that occurred over the course of the case. The Butte County Superior Court is the primary court of general jurisdiction in the county, handling all cases that arise, and is consequently the hub for all court records.

Butte County court records also play a vital role in the public records ecosystem and often intersect with other records, such as arrest, vital, and property records.

Are Butte County Court Records Public?

Yes, court records in Butte County are public. The public nature of Butte County court records is established by the California Rules of Court, Rules 2.400-2.507. Under these rules, members of the public may approach a Clerk of Court's Office to inspect or copy a court record. However, there are certain exceptions to public access to court records in the county, as some records are deemed sensitive and exempt from public disclosure. The records are sometimes completely barred from public access, and in some cases, only partially barred.

Examples of such confidential records include

  • The records of juveniles
  • Documents relating to the paternity of a child
  • In-camera (private) proceedings
  • Sensitive personal information
  • Affidavits of search warrants
  • Grand jury proceedings

What Information is Available in Butte County Court Records?

Butte County court records generally provide researchers with the following information:

  • Case details, including the case number, filing date, and case status
  • Parties involved, including the full names of plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, respondents, and attorneys
  • Case docket
  • Hearing dates
  • Filed documents
  • Court orders
  • Judgments

Butte County Court Records Search

Individuals looking to access a court record in Butte County may utilize any of these methods:

Online Access

Researchers who prefer remote access to a Butte County court record may use the Butte County Superior Court Case Information Portal to search for the record. The portal provides access to all non-confidential court records filed after 1988 (1989 for South County Municipal court records). A search may be made using the record's number or the name of the subject of the record. Searches can be carried out on the portal for free.

In-Person Access

To view the full physical file of a record or documents restricted from the internet, individuals may opt for an in-person request. Inquirers may visit the Butte County courthouse at One Court Street to request access to a court record. Requesters may be directed to the Clerk of Court's Office, where they can provide search information, such as a name or case number. If physical copies of the record are needed, the clerk may ask the requester to make a payment.

Mail and Phone Requests

Individuals who want to obtain copies of a court record may also download, complete, and mail the Butte County Copy Request form to the Butte County Clerk of Court's Office. The court encourages individuals to provide as much information about the record when filling out the form. The mail should include a check for payment, which should have the case number written on it, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage. The check should be made payable to the Butte County Superior Court.

Inquirers generally cannot request or receive copies of court records directly over the phone due to processing rules. However, file availability, request procedures, or copy fees may be verified over the phone.

Fees for Court Records in Butte County

The fee associated with accessing a court record in Butte County depends on the circumstances of access. When inspecting or viewing a record without obtaining a copy (e.g., searching the Superior Court Case Information Portal), individuals generally do not have to pay a fee. However, if obtaining a copy of a record, a fee may be required. Below are the fees charged for copies of court records

  • Photocopies: 50 cents per page
  • Certified copy: $40
  • Comparing a copy with the original on file: $1 per page
  • Exemplification of a record: $50
  • Record search longer than 10 minutes: $15
  • Certified copy of divorce record: $15
  • Document authenticated pursuant to court order: $15 per signature

Butte County Courthouse Locations

Butte County operates a unified trial court system through the Butte County Superior Court. The Superior Court handles all cases in the county, including municipal cases, as independent municipal courts were abolished in 1988. Below are the addresses of all the courthouses in the county.

Butte County Courthouse

One Court Street

Oroville, CA 95965-3303

Phone: (530) 532-7002

North Butte County Courthouse

1775 Concord Avenue

Chico, CA 95928

Phone: (530) 532-7009

Criminal Records Access in Butte County

Criminal records in Butte County are maintained by law enforcement and the judiciary. The California Department of Justice is responsible for criminal records in California and processes requests for the official copy of these records. Individuals can request their personal criminal history record by following the instructions on the Department of Justice's Record Review page. Requesters will have to submit their fingerprints and pay a $25 fee.

While the California Department of Justice maintains official criminal history records of individuals in Butte County and across the state, the Butte County Superior Court manages the criminal case files locally. Individuals can access a criminal case file on the Case Information portal or by visiting or mailing a completed Copy Request form to the Clerk of Court's Office.

Butte County Probate Records

Probate records are documents created when the court oversees the management of a person's estate (typically after they have died) or personal care when they are incapable of caring for themselves. Probate records include wills, guardianship documents, conservatorship records, estate inventories, and probate petitions.

Probate records are generally open to the public, except for specific information restricted under the law. Inquirers can search a probate case timeline on the Butte County Superior Court Case Information Portal. To view the complete case file, individuals may visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office or submit the Copy Request form.

Butte County Family Court Records

Family court records are documents created during cases that involve family relationships, including divorce, child custody, child visitation, spousal support, paternity, and domestic violence restraining orders. Individuals interested in accessing family court records may search the Butte County Superior Court Case Information Portal using a name or a case number. To retrieve a paper copy of a family court record, individuals may visit the Clerk of Court's Office or mail in the Copy Request form.

Federal Court Records in Butte County

Federal law cases arising from Butte County are not handled by the Superior Court, but by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. There is no federal courthouse located in the county, with the closest courthouse located in Sacramento County. Butte County residents seeking access to a federal court record do not need to visit the courthouse and can search for the record online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

Butte County Court