San Bernardino Court Case Search allows users to check case information from the Superior Court of California online. It provides updates on civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Users can see case status, hearing dates, and parties involved. The search makes court records accessible without visiting the courthouse.
San Bernardino Court Case Search is used by lawyers, journalists, and residents to track legal proceedings. It includes the online docket and public court records. Users can register actions, follow updates, and plan ahead for hearings. This tool makes finding accurate case information fast and straightforward.
How to Search a San Bernardino Court Case
The San Bernardino Court Case Search operates through the Court Access Portal (CAP), the official superior court case search system provided by the Superior Court of California in San Bernardino County Court. CAP lets users view basic case information online, including the status of civil, criminal, family, and probate matters, register of actions, and hearing schedules — all from a computer or mobile device. This central portal increases remote access to public case information and helps the public stay informed about court activity.
Court Access Portal — Official Search Tool
The Court Access Portal (CAP) is the authorized system for searching San Bernardino court cases online. It serves as the modern replacement for the old Public Portal, bringing together case index search functions in one place. You can use CAP to enter case numbers, party names, or other criteria to find case listings and status updates. Access the official portal here:
Official San Bernardino CAP Search: https://cap.sb-court.org
What You Can and Cannot Access Online
Through the Court Access Portal, users can search the public case index and see:
- Case status — open, closed, or pending
- Hearing dates and scheduled events
- Register of actions — chronological record of filings
- Party names associated with a case
However, CAP does not make all materials available for free. Sensitive records and many case documents are protected by court rules and require additional steps:
Free access includes:
- Basic case information
- Calendar and docket summaries
Paid or restricted access includes:
- Full downloadable case documents (fees may apply)
- Certain sensitive records or detailed filings, which may require registration or payment for viewing or printing.
This tiered structure balances open public access with privacy and legal limits on disclosure.
Transition from the Old Public Portal
The Superior Court of California phased out its older Public Portal, and CAP now functions as the main online case search system. This transition improved search accuracy, added better remote access tools, and consolidated features into one official portal. Users who previously relied on the older portal will find CAP offers more reliable case indexing and up‑to‑date data, though navigation and login procedures may differ from what long‑time users recall.
How to Search by Case Number
Searching a case by its number is the fastest way to find specific information in San Bernardino. A case number is a unique identifier assigned to every case filed in the Superior Court of California, usually found on legal notices, summons, or official court documents.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Go to the official CAP – Access the Court Access Portal at https://cap.sb-court.org.
- Click “Access Case Information” – This opens the case entry form where searches begin.
- Accept terms and conditions – Users must acknowledge the rules for online access to court records.
- Enter the case number – Type the full case number exactly as it appears on your documents.
- Submit search – Click the submit button to run the search.
- Review results – The portal will display the case summary, including case type, parties, hearing dates, and the register of actions for all filings.
Tips for a Successful Search
- Ensure the case number is typed in the correct format; missing digits or extra characters can cause errors.
- If results do not appear, double-check the source document or try variations like omitting hyphens.
- Use the register of actions to track updates, filings, or upcoming hearings.
Following this step‑by‑step process allows users to quickly retrieve detailed and accurate case information. A proper search ensures that users access the correct case summary and related court records without delay.
Steps: How to Search by Party Name
For users who do not have a case number, searching by party name is an effective way to locate court cases. A party name search lets users find cases based on the names of individuals or organizations involved. This is especially useful for journalists, attorneys, or members of the public who only know a party’s name.
Key Difference
- Case number search is precise and faster if the number is known.
- Party name search is broader, requiring interpretation of a search results list to find the correct case.
Steps Instructions
- Select “Party Search” – On the CAP portal, choose the option for searching by party name.
- Provide first and last name – Enter the full or partial names. The system supports variations to widen the search.
- Optional date range – Use a date range filter to narrow results if needed.
- Submit search – Click the submit button to generate a search results list.
- Interpret results – Review each entry to identify the correct case. Check the register of actions and case type to confirm details.
What You’ll See in Case Results
When performing a San Bernardino court case search, the results page is structured to give users a clear overview of the case. Each field provides critical information to understand the status and history of a case.
Key Fields in Case Results
- Case Number & Parties – The unique case number identifies the case in the public court index, while the names of plaintiffs, defendants, or other parties show who is involved.
- Case Type – Indicates whether the matter is civil, criminal, family, or probate, helping users quickly understand the nature of the case.
- Case Status – Displays whether the case is active, closed, or pending, allowing users to track progress in the online docket.
- Register of Actions – A chronological log of filings, motions, and court activity. This includes filing dates, court decisions, and any case updates or case alerts.
- Hearing Dates – Lists upcoming calendar events, including pre-trial conferences, hearings, or trial dates.
- Document Links – If available, users can click on items in the document list to view filings online, depending on access levels or restrictions.
By understanding each of these fields, users can effectively monitor a case and make informed decisions about attending hearings, consulting attorneys, or following updates in the public case index. The results page is designed for clarity, making even complex cases easier to track and interpret.
Fees, Access Limits & Paid Documents
The San Bernardino Court Access Portal (CAP) offers both free and paid access to case information. Understanding these limits ensures users know what is immediately available and what requires payment.
Free Access
- Users can view a basic case summary, including case number, parties, case type, and hearing dates.
- The register of actions and online docket entries can typically be accessed without cost.
Paid Access
- Detailed document images are available at $0.50 per page.
- Payment is required to download or print full filings, motions, and other official documents.
- To purchase documents, users can select items in the CAP portal and follow the payment instructions.
Why Some Records Are Not Online
- Certain confidential records or restricted filings cannot be posted due to privacy, security, or legal restrictions.
- Documents like sealed motions, juvenile records, or sensitive family court files require in-person requests or court approval.
By clarifying document sales and access rules, CAP balances transparency with legal compliance. Users performing a case lookup San Bernardino can plan ahead knowing which public court records are free and which require paid access.
In‑Person and Alternative Search Methods
While most cases are accessible through CAP, some information may only be obtained in person or via alternative methods.
Public Access Terminals
- Located in the courthouse lobby, these terminals allow visitors to search the online docket for free.
- Terminals provide access to case summaries, registers of actions, and document lists.
Clerk Assistance
- Court clerks can help with superior court case search procedures, explain how to interpret results, and assist with document requests.
- Staff can verify case numbers, check hearing schedules, and guide users to the correct terminals or forms.
Written or Mail Requests
- Some records, especially confidential or sealed documents, require a written request or formal application.
- Users can submit requests to the clerk’s office by mail, specifying the case number, parties, and documents needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Residents often have common questions about obtaining San Bernardino Case Search, including timelines, eligibility, and differences between record types. Below are clear answers to the most frequently asked queries.
How do I search San Bernardino court cases online?
To perform an online case lookup in San Bernardino, use the official Court Access Portal (CAP) provided by the Superior Court of California. Start by selecting either a case number search or a party name search. Enter the information in the case entry form and click “Submit Search” to view results. The portal shows the case summary, including case status, hearing dates, and the register of actions. This free case search helps users track legal proceedings from anywhere.
How do I find a case number?
A case number is a unique identifier assigned to each case. It can be found on:
- Summons or complaint documents
- Court notices or orders
- Correspondence from an attorney or the court
If you do not have a case number, use a party name search with optional date range filters to locate cases. Having a case number allows for faster and more precise case lookup steps.
Is there a fee to search court cases?
Basic case information, including the public case index, online docket, and register of actions, is free. Paid access is required for downloading official case documents or document images ($0.50 per page). Some records are restricted or confidential and cannot be accessed online.
Why can’t I see my case details online?
Certain cases may not appear online due to:
- Confidential or sealed records (e.g., family court or juvenile cases)
- Restricted filings pending court approval
- Technical issues like incorrect case numbers or misspelled party names
If your case is unavailable, you may need to use public access terminals at the courthouse or submit a written request to the clerk. Interpreting the search results list carefully ensures you locate all accessible information.
Can I search for someone’s case by name?
Yes, use the party search function in CAP. Enter the person’s first and last name and optionally a date range. The system will display a search results list with matching cases. From there, you can review the case summary and register of actions to identify the correct case. Accurate spelling and date filters improve the precision of results.
What information will I see in case search results?
Search results typically include:
- Case number and parties involved
- Case type (civil, criminal, family, probate)
- Case status (open, closed, or pending)
- Register of actions and filing dates
- Hearing dates or calendar events
- Links to case documents, if available
Understanding each field helps users interpret the online docket and track ongoing proceedings efficiently.
How do I access documents not available online?
If documents are restricted or not posted in CAP, options include:
- Visiting public access terminals at the courthouse
- Requesting assistance from the clerk’s office
- Submitting a written request specifying the case number, parties, and documents needed