Superior Court

The Alameda County Superior Court handles civil disputes, criminal cases, family matters, probate proceedings, juvenile cases, small claims, and traffic matters. This article explains how to identify the appropriate court service, locate a courthouse, search available records, request copies, prepare for an appearance, and obtain procedural assistance. It also covers the differences between the court’s online systems, restrictions on confidential records, and requirements that can affect appointments, remote hearings, and jury service.

Alameda County Superior Court Services

The official name of the court is the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. Its services are organized by case type, and the correct division depends on the matter you are handling. The Alameda County Superior Court website provides access to case information, self-help services, jury service, traffic payments, electronic filing, and courthouse information.

Before choosing an online service or contacting an office, identify both your case type and your immediate task. Looking up a hearing, requesting a document, submitting a filing, and paying a traffic ticket involve different services. A portal that displays case information does not necessarily provide document copies or accept filings.

Which Division Handles Your Matter?

The court’s directory of court divisions organizes services into the following categories:

Civil: Disputes between two or more parties involving injuries, rights, or obligations.
Small claims: A special court for resolving disputes quickly and inexpensively.
Family law: Cases involving divorce and other family matters.
Probate: Matters concerning the personal and financial affairs of adults and children.
Criminal: Cases ranging from infractions to misdemeanors and felonies.
Juvenile: Two types of proceedings involving children younger than 18.
Traffic: Traffic court matters and related citation services.
Collaborative courts: Information about collaborative and treatment court programs.

The court also provides information about CARE Act Court services and eligibility. People seeking procedural assistance with a CARE matter can review the court’s self-help materials, which include CARE Act resources alongside other supported case types.

Courthouse Locations and Clerk Appointments

The court operates locations in Alameda, Berkeley, Dublin, Fremont, Hayward, Oakland, and San Leandro. Its courthouse location directory can be filtered by city and cases served. This distinction matters because selecting the nearest building does not establish that it is the correct location for your case or requested service.

For an existing case, refer to the location and department identified in your court paperwork. For records research, the court directs users to the appropriate Records Unit to determine where a file can be viewed. Criminal records inquiries can also be directed to the location where the case was heard.

Hayward Civil and Family Appointments

The court offers online appointments for Civil and Family Law clerk’s office services at the Hayward Hall of Justice. When booking, users can opt to receive a text or email reminder and can check in with a mobile device upon arrival.

The court’s supplied service notice states that online appointments are unavailable at the René C. Davidson Courthouse while its Civil clerk’s office is being remodeled. The Hayward appointment service therefore should not be treated as a general booking system for every courthouse or every division.

Case Searches and Hearing Calendars

The court’s public portal directory separates record searches, criminal document requests, electronic filing, and traffic services. Select the system that matches your case type before beginning a search. Access requirements and the information displayed vary among these systems.

Civil, Family, and Probate Searches

The eCourt Public Portal provides information about Civil, Civil Appeal, Family Law, and Probate cases. It does not include Criminal, Juvenile, or Traffic cases. Users must register for an account to use its functions.

Within this portal, “Search Hearings” searches hearings within a specified date range, while “Smart Search” searches court records. These functions serve different purposes: a hearing search helps locate scheduled proceedings, while a records search helps locate case information.

Online access also varies by document type. Many non-confidential civil records are available through eCourt, but family law access is limited to case information; family law case documents are not available online. Probate document images are available for documents filed after January 31, 2006, except conservatorship, guardianship, and confidential documents.

Criminal Case Information

The court’s records instructions describe free public access to criminal case information through the Odyssey Portal without registration. That information is available only for cases with activity since 2005, and the online public search does not provide access to criminal case documents.

The broader public portal directory also contains an Odyssey registration notice. For criminal information searches, follow the specific criminal access instructions on the records page rather than assuming that every portal has the same account requirements. Criminal document copies are requested through a separate Criminal Record Requests portal.

Short-Term Calendar Access

The court’s online services directory provides access to up to five days of General Civil, Criminal, Traffic, Family Law, and Probate calendars. It also identifies the court-date lookup service. Because the calendar service covers a limited period, it should not be treated as a full case history or a replacement for a records search.

Court Records and Document Copies

The court records request instructions explain online access, in-person research, mailed searches, and restrictions by division. Distinguish between viewing case information, examining documents, ordering copies, and purchasing a transcript. Each involves a different form of access.

In-Person Research and Mailed Searches

Individuals may research court records in person at no cost using public terminals and indexes. Files must remain on the premises and within designated viewing areas. They cannot be taken away from those areas.

The court accepts requests for records searches by mail. It does not provide research services by telephone or email. Calling a Records Unit can help identify the correct viewing location or obtain information about making a request, but the call itself is not a records search.

Records search and copying charges can be paid by check, credit card, or money order. Online criminal records requests accept MasterCard or Visa. Do not mail cash or credit card information. Research and copying fees are detailed in the court’s fee and bail schedules.

Criminal Copies and Older Cases

Copies of non-confidential criminal case documents can be ordered through the Criminal Record Requests portal and are mailed to the requester. Public criminal documents can also be viewed through Odyssey Kiosk terminals at select court locations for cases with activity since 2005.

In-person information is available for many criminal cases opened since 1974. If you know where the case was heard, contact that court location. If you do not, contact one of the Criminal Divisions identified in the final office list. For felony cases before 1974, the court directs users to a Criminal Division for assistance or to the California Department of Justice.

Signed Letters for Immigration Documentation

A request for a letter bearing an actual signature and court seal for immigration documentation must be mailed rather than submitted through the online Criminal Records Request portal. Address the request to the Criminal Division at the East County Hall of Justice, using the address in the final list and adding “Attn: Criminal Division.”

Include a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank for $1 per letter, payable to “Alameda Superior Court.” Do not send cash. The request must contain:

The requester’s name, complete mailing address, and telephone number.
The defendant’s name and date of birth.
The defendant’s docket number.

Confidential and Restricted Records

Access to juvenile court records requires a petition under California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 827 using Judicial Council form JV-570. Juvenile records include the Juvenile Dependency Court legal file and records maintained by the social worker and Social Services Agency, except communications between the social worker and the worker’s attorney. They do not normally include police reports.

Adoption records are confidential and can be accessed only by court order. Birth, death, and marriage records are maintained by the County rather than through the court’s case-record systems. Identifying the kind of record you need prevents a request from being directed to the wrong office.

Traffic Documents and Hearing Transcripts

The Traffic Division’s database is paperless. Staff at any Traffic Court location can print a requested case document, such as a citation or minutes. Traffic citation lookup is handled through the separate online citation service.

A transcript is a verbatim record of a public court proceeding. Transcripts may be purchased directly from the court reporter who reported the hearing. A request for copies from a case file is therefore different from a request for the hearing transcript.

Forms, Filing, and Self-Help Assistance

The court offers electronic filing and procedural assistance, but preparing forms, filing documents, and uploading evidence are separate tasks. Its online services include small claims digital evidence information, while filing services concern documents submitted to the court.

Many court documents are supplied as PDF files. When working with the court’s instructions, keep the relevant form and its accompanying instructions together so that a preparation step is not confused with the act of filing.

Assistance for People Without Attorneys

The Self-Help Center and Family Law Facilitator services may assist people without attorneys with procedural information and instructions for completing forms. Assistance is limited to California matters and, for some services, Alameda County matters. The center cannot assist with cases in another state.

Supported subjects include divorce, parentage, custody and support, certain stepparent adoption petitions, restraining orders, name and gender changes, small claims, unlawful detainer, limited conservatorship, guardianship of a minor, fee waivers, and CARE Act matters. Debt collection and workplace violence restraining order assistance are limited.

The Self-Help Center does not assist with general civil cases, although its page provides general civil information. Review the service categories before seeking an appointment so that the requested assistance matches the center’s scope.

Appointments, Chat, and Language Assistance

Drop-in self-help services are suspended. Users can contact the center by LiveChat or telephone to be screened for an in-person or remote appointment. LiveChat operates Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, through the widget on the self-help page. Staff may stop accepting new chats before noon when capacity is reached.

Telephone hours are Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Voicemails can be left only during those hours, and calls are returned within five business days. Workshops and appointments are available for people who need language assistance; scheduling is handled during telephone hours.

The self-help page also provides an Interpreter Request Form, remote appearance instructions for temporary restraining order and family law matters, and small claims evidence-upload instructions. Preparing forms through a guided interview does not itself file them: the court’s instructions explain that completed interview forms may be printed and then submitted for filing.

Small Claims Rental Debt Restriction

As of October 1, 2025, a landlord can no longer sue in Small Claims Court for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt above $12,500. The court defines that debt as unpaid rent and other costs incurred before September 30, 2021, due to COVID-19. This restriction concerns that specific category of rental debt.

Remote Hearings and Accommodation Requests

The court’s remote appearance instructions explain proceedings through ZoomGov. All non-criminal departments have the ability to conduct entirely remote proceedings. Some, but not all, departments also support hybrid proceedings with participants appearing both remotely and in person.

Remote capability does not establish permission to appear remotely in a particular hearing. The court’s local rules govern the process and options for appearing in person. Actual hearing links are obtained from the department where the hearing is scheduled.

Civil Harassment and Small Claims Requests

For Civil Harassment and Small Claims hearings, send a remote appearance request to the correct hearing department five court days before the scheduled hearing. The listed department addresses are Dept105@alameda.courts.ca.gov, Dept519@alameda.courts.ca.gov, and Dept521@alameda.courts.ca.gov. Select the address corresponding to the assigned department.

The email subject line must include the case number, case name, party position, and scheduled hearing date and time. Civil Harassment parties identify themselves as Petitioner or Respondent; Small Claims parties identify themselves as Plaintiff or Defendant.

The message must explain good cause for each requested remote appearance, including a witness appearance when requested. It must also provide a daytime contact telephone number and information about needed language assistance. The assigned judicial officer reviews the request, and the court emails the decision to the address that submitted it.

Late requests are considered for Respondents or Defendants served with fewer than five days’ notice or for other emergent situations. A disability accommodation request is separate: use form MC-410 and send it to the ADA Division and the department scheduled to hear the matter.

Participation During a Remote Proceeding

Participants should show the same respect expected in a courtroom and avoid distracting backgrounds. Recording or broadcasting remote appearances is prohibited except in compliance with California Rule of Court 1.150.

Technology or audibility problems can delay or halt a proceeding. A party, witness, court reporter, interpreter, or court employee may alert the assigned judicial officer when such a problem arises.

Traffic Payments and Fine Reduction Requests

The traffic lookup and payment application is separate from the Civil, Family Law, and Probate record portal. Its services include ticket lookup, viewing or printing a courtesy notice, forfeiting bail, paying fines or fees, and paying traffic school fees.

The application also provides installment payment functions and services for extending citation, fine, or traffic school completion due dates. Users can confirm the court’s receipt of a traffic school completion certificate. Review the function selected so that a payment task is not confused with an extension or certificate confirmation.

The court identifies an Ability to Pay tool on the My Citations website for requesting a fine reduction for eligible infraction offenses. A reduction request is distinct from making a payment, and the court’s description limits the tool to eligible infractions.

Jury Summons and Reporting Requirements

The jury service instructions describe the steps for responding to a summons. Read the summons to identify the reporting week. One week before the service date, register in JPORTAL and complete the juror questionnaire. The portal also offers text or email notifications and requests for excusal or deferral.

After 5 p.m. on the Friday before the summons date, and every night during the summons week, check reporting instructions through the jury reporting page, JPORTAL, or the Interactive Voice Response Line. Appear only when instructed. The reporting location can change, so rely on the reporting instructions rather than assuming that the original location remains the same.

Postponements and Attendance

Postponement and hardship requests are not automatically granted. Some requests may not be decided until the service day by a judge. If a request cannot be made through JPORTAL, contact Jury Services for assistance.

The court states that a juror who has not already rescheduled may request one change to a different week three to six months after the current summons date. Full-time students and teachers can postpone service to school breaks. Jurors cannot transfer service to a different court location or send another person in their place.

When directed to report, plan for service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., although release time depends on the court’s schedule. Shorts, tank tops, and bare feet are not permitted. Contact the court immediately to reschedule a missed summons. If illness or the symptoms identified in the court’s instructions occur on the reporting day, contact Jury Services to explain the condition and request a deferral.

Payment Scams Involving Court Services

The court warns that scammers impersonate Pretrial Services to demand payments for GPS monitoring and other services. Pretrial Services will never ask defendants or their family members for money. Anyone receiving such a call should hang up, avoid sending payment or sharing personal information, and report the call to law enforcement immediately.

Jury Services also does not call residents to request payment for failing to appear. California law does not allow a person to pay a fine instead of serving. Even if a fine is assessed, jury service must still be rescheduled.

Court Offices and Contact Information

Alameda — George E. McDonald Hall of Justice
2233 Shore Line Drive, Alameda, CA 94501
510-891-6005

Berkeley Courthouse
2120 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
510-647-4439

Dublin — East County Hall of Justice
5151 Gleason Drive, Dublin, CA 94568
925-227-6700

Fremont Hall of Justice
39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538
510-818-7500

Hayward Hall of Justice
24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544
510-690-2700

Oakland — Administration Building
1221 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94612
510-891-6000

Oakland — René C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612
510-891-6000

Oakland — Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse
661 Washington Street, Oakland, CA 94607
510-627-4700

San Leandro — John George Psychiatric Pavilion
2060 Fairmont Drive, San Leandro, CA 94578
510-891-6332

San Leandro — Juvenile Justice Center
2500 Fairmont Drive, Suite C3013, San Leandro, CA 94578
510-618-1106

Self-Help Center and Family Law Facilitator
510-272-1393

Civil Records — Hayward Hall of Justice
510-690-2705

Family Law Records — Hayward Hall of Justice
510-690-2702

Criminal Division — René C. Davidson Courthouse
510-891-6009

Criminal Division — Hayward Hall of Justice
510-690-2703

Criminal Division — Fremont Hall of Justice
510-818-7501

Juvenile Clerk’s Office
510-267-6922

Jury Services Division
510-891-6031

Jury Service Interactive Voice Response Line
510-879-3079

Superior Court FAQs

What if I receive two jury summonses?

Let Alameda County Superior Court know you received duplicate summonses so it can clarify which summons you must respond to. The court explains that you will need to report for one of them. Duplicate notices can occur when your name appears differently in Department of Motor Vehicles, voter registration, or Franchise Tax Board records—for example, under a maiden name or with a missing middle initial. Check that those agencies have consistent information. Correcting a mismatch helps address the reason you may receive duplicate notices.

Can my employer stop me from serving?

Under California Labor Code Section 230(a), an employer may not discharge or discriminate against an employee for taking time off to perform legally required jury service, provided the employee gives reasonable notice before taking that time off. Tell your employer about your summons promptly so work arrangements can be made. The court’s jury service instructions explain this protection. The provision described on that page concerns protection from discharge or discrimination; it does not establish that your employer must pay your wages during service.

Does a felony conviction disqualify a juror?

A past felony conviction does not automatically make you ineligible. The court states that people with felony convictions may serve if they are not on parole, post-release community supervision, felony probation, or mandated supervision for a felony conviction, and are not required to register as sex offenders under Penal Code Section 290. Other eligibility requirements still apply, including being at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the county or district where summoned. Current incarceration and certain unrestored convictions for malfeasance in office also affect eligibility.

Can jurors research or discuss their case?

No. During trial, jurors must not independently investigate the case, search the internet for information about it, speak with witnesses, or conduct experiments. Do not discuss the case with others before being discharged from the jury; discussion with fellow jurors takes place during deliberations. Your verdict must rely on evidence presented in court. If someone tries to discuss the trial with you or influence your judgment, tell the bailiff. Outside research or improper conversations can cause a mistrial.