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Kings County, California State Court Records

Kings County court records are official documents created during legal proceedings handled by the county's Superior Court, highlighting details of the case from start to finish. These documents include transcripts, case filings, petitions, court orders, evidence summaries, and details of parties involved in a case. The Kings County Superior Court maintains all filed court documents through its records division, which is closely supervised by the clerk of the court.

While Kings County court records highlight details of court proceedings, they are not stand-alone documents. They also contain identifying information of parties involved as highlighted in vital records. Similarly, arrest records, especially detention facility and bail information may also be included in a typical Kings County court record. Notably, all aforementioned documents form the basis on which California criminal court records are created or compiled.

Are Kings County Court Records Public?

Court records are generally public in Kings County, California. Per the California Rules of Court Rule 2.400(a), court case files are public records and open to the public for copying and viewing, unless restricted by the law. Therefore, interested individuals can request to inspect and copy Kings County court records via the channels made available by the Superior Court.

While court records are presumably public in Kings County, some records are restricted from public access to maintain the integrity of the state's judicial system. For instance, juvenile court records are confidential and can only be obtained in person by the minor, their parents, and their legal representatives. Also, the court may seal some records, preventing the public from viewing the said records without first obtaining a court order.

What Information is Available in Kings County Court Records?

Typically, Kings County court records contain publicly accessible details of active and completed judicial proceedings including:

  • Case Identification Details: Case ID, case type (civil, criminal, probate), filing date, case status.
  • Identifying Information of Parties Involved: Names of petitioner/plaintiff, names of defendant/respondent, names of attorneys/legal representatives.
  • Charges or claims
  • Court filings: petitions, complaints, affidavits, motions, responses.
  • Hearing schedule and information: Scheduled court dates, records of past hearings.
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Judgments and sentences
  • Financial information: Filing fees, court fines, penalties, payment status.
  • Evidence and exhibits
  • Case history/docket

While these details are publicly accessible, some information may be restricted depending on the case type. For instance, the names of minors involved in a family law case may be withheld to maintain the safety of the minor. Also, some information may be restricted from online access, and interested individuals may have to visit the Superior Court in person or pay a fee to obtain them.

Kings County Court Records Search

The records division of the Kings County Superior Court provides several methods for interested individuals to obtain copies of court records. These methods include online searches, in-person requests, and mail requests.

Online Access

Interested individuals can obtain Kings County court records using the Case Search feature of the Superior Court's website. This online portal provided by the Superior Court grants records seekers online access to unconfidential court records of active and archived proceedings. Notably, the case number or the name of the parties involved in the case are needed for an effective search. If the case number is unknown, the individual can use the computers available at the courthouse during business hours to conduct an effective case search.

In-Person Access

The Kings County Superior Court typically receives requests for court records in person. Therefore, interested persons can visit the courthouse at the address below to tender their record requests. Notably, the records division only accepts written requests or a completed Request for Record Search and Copies Form.

Kings County Superior Court

1640 Kings County Dr.,

Hanford, CA 93230

Mail and Phone Requests

To request court records via mail, interested individuals can mail a written request or a completed Request for Records Search and Copies Form and the accurate processing fee to the address below. Failure to include the accurate processing fee and a self-addressed envelope may attract a postage fee that is assessed based on USPS guidelines.

Kings County Superior Court

1640 Kings County Dr.,

Hanford, CA 93230

Fees for Court Records in Kings County

In California, public records searches are free; however, record custodians may charge a fee for certification, printing and copying of records, and searches that take long durations. For instance, one may be required to pay $15 for any search that takes longer than 10 minutes, under the Government Code 70627(c). Also, comparing a copy of a record to an original record on file may attract a fee of $1 per page, while preparing any records costs $0.50 per page. Notably, certification of court records costs $40.

Kings County Courthouse Locations

Kings County operates only one central courthouse, the Kings County Superior Court, which is the single unified trial court in the county. The courthouse contains 12 court rooms, housing the different divisions of the Superior Court including small claims, civil, criminal, and family law cases.

The Kings County Superior Court is located at:

Kings County Superior Court

1640 Kings County Dr.,

Hanford, CA 93230

(559) 582-1010

Criminal Records Access in Kings County

While the Superior Court maintains details of legal proceedings, the California Department of Justice maintains a compilation of all interactions an individual has had with the state's judicial system. This includes court records, arrest records, and jail records, if applicable. This compilation is called a criminal history record or rap sheet. Unlike court records, rap sheets are not publicly accessible. Rather, they are restricted to the record owner, their employers, licensing boards, or government agencies.

One can conduct a criminal history check by submitting a complete Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Records (Form BCIA 8705) and a valid government-issued photo ID to an authorized Live Scan Fingerprinting Location. This may cost $25; however, the fee may vary based on the site. Eligible individuals can apply for a fee waiver, once they can prove that they cannot afford the required fee. It is noteworthy that the California Department of Justice processes Live Scan results within 3 to 7 business days; although some processes may take up to 2 weeks.

Kings County Probate Records

Probate records are official documents containing comprehensive details of an estate's administration. They detail how an individual's properties or estates are distributed and debts are settled. In Kings County, probate records are created during the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate and they are managed by the Kings County Superior Court.

Like other court records, Kings County probate records are publicly accessible; however, some details may be withheld from public disclosure to preserve the integrity of the legal process. Notably, complete probate records are restricted to in person case searches or mail records requests.

Kings County Family Court Records

The family law division of the Kings County Superior Courtis responsible for handling family-related cases in the county. This includes divorce cases, child custody, child and spousal support, adoption and guardianships, and domestic violence cases. Kings County family court records are generally accessible for inspection and copying; however, there are some restrictions. Per California law, the Superior Court restricts access to adoption records, financial statements, some custody reports, and family law cases involving minors.

Individuals seeking Kings County family court records can utilize the Case Search portal of the Superior Court's website. Here, one can access hearing schedules, case status, and identifying information of the parties involved, although the information therein might be incomplete. Interested persons can visit the Kings County Superior Court in person at the address below to obtain complete records:

Kings County Superior Court

1640 Kings County Dr.,

Hanford, CA 93230

To obtain certified copies of family court records, one can tender written requests or a complete Request for Record Search and Copies Form to the court in person or via mail to the address above. Notably, requests sent via mail must include a self-addressed envelope and the $40 certification fee.

Federal Court Records in Kings County

Federal Court records are official documents and case files handled by the United States District Court. This includes bankruptcy proceedings, federal civil cases, and federal criminal offenses. In Kings County, federal offenses are handled by The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

To obtain federal court records in Kings County, interested individuals can utilize the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) Case Locator. This locator is a nationwide search tool where anyone can search for federal case information and case dockets. Individuals who prefer in-person searches can visit the concerned district court at the address below:

United States District Court

Eastern District of California

2500 Tulare Street,

Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 499-5600

Kings County Court