Butte court records are the official judicial documents filed, indexed, and preserved by the Butte County Superior Court Clerk’s Office at 1 Court Street in Oroville, California. Every criminal complaint, civil petition, family law filing, probate petition, and traffic infraction creates a permanent case file open under the California Public Records Act. The clerk’s office holds decades of docket history, with microfilm archives reaching back to the 1850s and a complete digital index of every case filed after 1998 court unification. Through the free Remote Public Access portal, anyone can run a Butte court case search from home using a case number, party name, or filing date. Butte court record access rules guarantee equal search rights for residents. Whether you pull Butte County public court records, browse Butte online court records, or conduct a broader Butte case information lookup, the same public-access standards apply for legal preparation, journalism, genealogy, landlord verification, or personal safety checks.
Butte court records fall into seven distinct case-type categories, each governed by specific access rules that shape what appears online versus in person. Criminal felony and misdemeanor dockets display in full through the portal. Civil unlimited and small claims disputes show party names, hearing dates, and judgment entries. Family law matters show a limited index. Probate files list will recordings, estate inventories, and conservatorship orders with confidential redactions. Anyone hoping to find Butte court records beyond a basic query visits the Oroville records counter for certified copies at $40 per document and $0.50 per page. A Butte judicial records lookup by mail works with prepayment and a self-addressed envelope, and a Butte court docket search or Butte court file search at the Chico satellite courthouse handles walk-in requests. Older archives need in-person terminal retrieval, but you can search Butte court documents through aggregators for casual research, not certified copies.
Butte Court Records: What They Are and How They Work
Butte court records comprise every officially filed document, docket entry, minute order, judgment, and exhibits index generated by the Butte County Superior Court since the unified trial court was established in 1998. They serve as the permanent legal record of every case adjudicated within Butte County’s jurisdiction. The geographic scope covers Chico, Oroville, Paradise, Magalia, Gridley, Biggs, and surrounding unincorporated areas.
Legal Foundation and Public Access
Butte court records are documents generated and preserved under authority of California Government Code § 68150–68155 (Court Records Management) and Rule 10.808 of the California Rules of Court (Standards for Court Facilities and Records). They are presumptively public per California Constitution Article I, § 3(b) and the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920.000 et seq., recodified effective January 1, 2023).
Documents Included in a Butte Court Record File
- Register of Actions (docket sheet): Chronological list of every filing and judicial action
- Petitions, complaints, and answers: Initial pleadings defining the case
- Motions and oppositions: Procedural requests filed by parties
- Court orders and judgments: Binding judicial decisions
- Probate decrees, conservatorship orders: Specialized family and probate filings
- Financial documents: Restitution orders, fines, bond records
- Index images and exhibits list: Physical evidence retained separately per Rule 10.808
Record Custodian Authority
The Butte County Superior Court Clerk’s Office, located at 1 Court Street, Oroville, CA 95965, is the official custodian of record. The office operates under the supervision of the Court Executive Officer and Clerk, with public counter hours Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00–1:00 PM as of the 2026 public counter schedule).
Types of Court Records Available in Butte County
Butte County Superior Court manages seven primary case-type divisions, each generating distinct record sets with varying public-access rules. Criminal and civil records are broadly accessible online, while juvenile, sealed, and mental health records are restricted by statute (Welfare & Institutions Code § 827 and Penal Code § 851.7 / § 1203.45).
| Case Type | Statutory Code | Online Access | In-Person Access | Sealing Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Felony | Penal Code § 691 et seq. | Yes (RPA Portal) | Yes | Yes (§ 1203.45 / Prop 47 / 64) |
| Criminal Misdemeanor | Pen. Code § 19 | Yes | Yes | Yes (§ 1203.45) |
| Civil — Unlimited | CCP § 88 | Yes | Yes | By court order |
| Civil — Limited | CCP § 91 | Yes | Yes | By court order |
| Small Claims | CCP § 116.110 | Yes | Yes | No (always public) |
| Family Law (Divorce, Custody, Support) | Fam. Code § 200 et seq. | Limited index only | Yes — case file | Adoption sealed by default |
| Domestic Violence Restraining Orders | Fam. Code § 6200 | Yes (DVRO) | Yes | By protective order |
| Probate / Estates | Prob. Code § 7000 | Yes | Yes | Will filings often sealed |
| Conservatorship / Guardianship | Prob. Code § 1800 | Yes (limited detail) | Yes | Confidential by statute |
| Juvenile Dependency & Delinquency | WIC § 300 / § 602 | No — sealed | By court order only | Yes (automatic upon petition) |
| Mental Health (LPS) | WIC § 5000 | No — confidential | Restricted | N/A — sealed by statute |
| Traffic / Infraction | Vehicle Code § 4000 | Yes | Yes | Per Pen. Code § 1203.45 |
Criminal Case Records in Butte County
Criminal case records include felony indictments, misdemeanor complaints, felony preliminary hearing transcripts, plea agreements, sentencing memoranda, and probation orders. Post-conviction relief records such as expungements under PC § 1203.4, certificates of rehabilitation, and governor’s pardons appear in updated docket entries. Underlying files may be physically sealed after such orders issue.
Civil Case Records
Civil case records cover unlimited civil (damages over $35,000), limited civil ($10,000–$35,000), and small claims (up to $12,500 for individuals per Civil Code § 116.221 as of 2026). The category also includes unlawful detainer (eviction), civil harassment, and workplace violence restraining orders.
Family Law and Probate Records
Family law files include dissolution, legal separation, nullity, parentage, child custody and visitation (FL-300 orders), child support, spousal support, and DVRO matters. Probate encompasses wills, letters testamentary, inventories, and final accounts.
How to Search Butte Court Records: Step-by-Step Methods
The Butte County Superior Court provides free online docket search through its Remote Public Access (RPA) portal. Searches can be conducted by case number, party name, or filing date range. For certified copies, in-person or mail requests to the Oroville courthouse are required. Online certified orders incur a $40 expedited processing fee as of the 2026 fee schedule.
Method 1: Online Remote Public Access (RPA) Portal Search
- Navigate to butte.courts.ca.gov and click the public records access link from the homepage.
- Create a free portal account — registration requires name, email, and acceptance of the judicial user agreement.
- Select case-type filter (Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate, Traffic, Small Claims).
- Enter search criteria: Case Number (recommended for fastest results), Party Name (last name, first name), or Date Range.
- Review the indexed results — public docket entries, party lists, hearing dates, and document images (where available).
- Download or print non-certified copies at $0.50 per page image as of 2026 records reproduction fee per California Rule of Court 10.815.
Method 2: In-Person Records Request
Where to go: Butte County Superior Court, Records Counter, 1 Court Street, Oroville, CA 95965. Free public kiosk access terminals are available during business hours. Wait times run shortest Tuesday through Thursday mornings.
What to bring: A valid government photo ID, the case number (if known), and acceptable payment (cash, check, money order, or debit/credit). A 2.5% card surcharge applies under Gov. Code § 6159.
Process: Clerk staff pull the physical case folder. Documents are reviewed for any active sealing orders before release. Confidential party information (SSN, minor children identifiers, financial account numbers) is automatically redacted.
Method 3: Mail-In Document Request
Send a written request including:
- Case number and caption (party names)
- Specific document(s) requested
- Self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for return
- Payment: $0.50/page for regular copies; $40 per certified copy (Rule 10.815 fee)
- Notarized declaration if requesting sealed records (per Pen. Code § 851.7 sealed materials)
Mail to: Butte County Superior Court Clerk, Attention: Records Division, 1 Court Street, Oroville, CA 95965.
Method 4: Phone and Email Inquiries
The Clerk’s Office provides case-status information by phone at (530) 532-7011. Staff can confirm hearing dates, judgment entries, and case-number assignments. Email inquiries route through the public records request form on the official court website. Phone clerks cannot provide legal interpretation or document copies over the phone.
Search Filter Reference Table
| Search Field | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Case Number | SC-[year]-[7 digits] | SC-25-0014523 |
| Criminal Case | CRF-[year]-[number] | CRF-24-00891 |
| Civil Unlimited | S CV-[year]-[digits] | S CV-2024-007123 |
| Family Law | FL-[year]-[digits] | FL-2025-002100 |
| Party Name (Last, First) | Exact match preferred | Martinez, Jose |
Butte County Superior Court: Locations, Divisions, and Contact Information
The Butte County Superior Court operates from its main Oroville courthouse and a satellite facility in Chico, with specialty calendars for family law, juvenile, and mental health matters. The court serves a county population of approximately 207,000 (2025 California Department of Finance estimate) across 1,677 square miles.
Main Courthouse — Oroville
Butte County Superior Court1 Court Street
Oroville, CA 95965
Main: (530) 532-7000 | Records: (530) 532-7011
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Public Records Window: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Chico Courthouse (Satellite Civil and Family Division)
Chico Courthouse — Butte County Superior Court2115 Forest Avenue, Suite 30
Chico, CA 95928
Phone: (530) 891-2741
Services: Family Law Self-Help Center, Civil Records, Traffic
Court Divisions and Specialty Calendars
- Criminal Division — Felony and misdemeanor calendars, preliminary hearings
- Civil Division — Unlimited, limited, small claims, unlawful detainer
- Family Law Division — Dissolution, custody, support, DVRO
- Juvenile Division — Dependency (WIC § 300) and Delinquency (WIC § 602), all sealed
- Probate and Mental Health — Estates, conservatorships, LPS conservatorships
- Traffic and Infraction Division — Vehicle Code violations, fish and game
Current Presiding Judge and Court Leadership (2026)
The Presiding Judge of the Butte County Superior Court for 2026 is assigned on an annual rotation basis from the court’s sitting judicial officers. The Court Executive Officer oversees administrative operations, including records management policy compliance. The official roster appears on the court’s “About” page at butte.courts.ca.gov.
Access Fees, Certified Copies, and Sealed Records in Butte County
Butte County Superior Court fees follow a standardized schedule adopted across all 58 California trial courts. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40 per document. Authentication (apostille / Secretary of State) costs an additional $20 plus postage. Fee waivers are available for indigent petitioners under CRC Rule 3.55 and Government Code § 68651.
Fee Schedule (Effective July 1, 2026)
| Service | Fee | Statutory Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Standard photocopy (per page) | $0.50 | CRC 10.815(a) |
| Certified copy (per document) | $40.00 | Gov. Code § 70626 |
| Authentication / Apostille add-on | $20.00 | Gov. Code § 70629 |
| Exemplified record | $50.00 | Gov. Code § 70628 |
| Public records search (per file) | $15.00 | Gov. Code § 70627(b) |
| Conviction record summary | $25.00 | Gov. Code § 70627(c) |
| Microfilm reproduction | $10.00 / record | Gov. Code § 70627(e) |
| Credit card surcharge | 2.5% | Gov. Code § 6159 |
How to Request Certified Copies
Certified copies bear the official court seal and clerk’s signature, making them legally admissible in subsequent proceedings and valid for out-of-state or federal filing. Same-day in-person requests at the Oroville Records Window are fulfilled within 30 minutes during business hours. Mail-in certified copy requests typically process within 5 to 10 business days.
Sealing and Expungement Procedure
Eligible Butte County convictions may be sealed under several California statutes:
- Penal Code § 1203.4 — Relief from conviction (misdemeanors, qualifying felonies)
- Penal Code § 1203.4a — Misdemeanor infraction dismissal
- Penal Code § 851.7 — Actual innocence sealing
- Penal Code § 121 (A.B. 1076) — Automatic relief for qualifying convictions (effective July 1, 2022; expanded through 2026)
- Proposition 64 (Health & Safety Code § 11361.8) — Cannabis conviction relief
- Proposition 47 (Pen. Code § 1170.18) — Felony-to-misdemeanor reclassification
Once granted, sealed records are removed from public online docket access. In-person sealed file review requires a court order.
Fee Waiver Eligibility (Form FW-001)
Butte County petitioners with household income below 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, or who receive public benefits (CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, TANF, IHSS), qualify for full fee waiver under CRC Rule 3.55. Form FW-001 must be filed with the petition or request.
Official Clerk Search vs. Third-Party Court Record Sites
While commercial aggregators offer consolidated multi-county searches, only the Butte County Superior Court Clerk provides authoritative, real-time records. This includes minutes, sealed-but-eligible-for-release files, and certified copies. Use official sources for legal proceedings. Third-party sites may suit background-screening or journalism preliminary research.
| Criteria | Official RPA Portal (Free) | Third-Party Aggregator |
|---|---|---|
| Data Source | Direct from Butte Superior Court clerk database | Scraped weekly or monthly from public sources |
| Data Freshness (2026) | Real-time (15-min sync) | Stale 7–45 days behind |
| Cost | Free; pay only for copies or certified | $25–$150 per search or subscription |
| Accuracy | Authoritative | Often contains data-entry errors |
| Certified Copies | Yes — official seal | No — unofficial only |
| Sealed / Expunged Records | Properly excluded post-order | May retain cached sensitive data (FCRA violation risk) |
| Admissibility | Court-accepted | Not accepted as primary evidence |
| Privacy Compliance (CCPA) | Government — limited private right constraints | Must comply with CCPA opt-out; FCRA for employment use |
When Third-Party Services Are Acceptable
- Initial background research for journalism or genealogy (verify against official source before publication)
- People-search and skip-tracing workflows (not FCRA-permissible for employment, tenancy, or credit decisions)
- Aggregated multi-county reviews (still cross-reference with official clerk)
When You Must Use the Official Clerk
- Any court filing, immigration petition, or federal matter
- Pre-litigation discovery (use subpoena duces tecum to Clerk)
- Sealing, expungement, or post-conviction relief petitions
- Service of process verification
Legal Uses, Privacy Protections, and Ethical Considerations
Butte court records intersect with multiple privacy and civil-rights frameworks: CCPA/CPRA (consumer privacy), the California Public Records Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA, 15 U.S.C. § 1681) for background checks, HIPAA-limited medical records within mental health cases, and journalist shield laws under California Constitution Article I, § 2(b).
Permissible Uses of Public Court Records
- Personal background checks — Verifying someone you’ve met (online dating, professional contact)
- Journalism and open government — Protected under California’s Shield Law and the First Amendment
- Legal research — Attorney case preparation and brief writing
- Genealogy and historical research — Older archived records per California Archives Act
- Self-monitoring — Ensuring court records about you are accurate
Prohibited and Restricted Uses
- Employment decisions (use a CRA-accredited background check provider, not consumer-side court record mining)
- Tenant screening (FCRA-governed)
- Credit eligibility decisions (FCRA-governed)
- Stalking, harassment, or extortion (Pen. Code § 422, § 646.9, § 518)
Redaction and Privacy Protection Rights
Pursuant to CRC Rule 1.201 and California Rules of Court 2.500–2.507, parties may request redaction of:
- Social Security numbers (last 4 digits)
- Financial account numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Medical and health information (non-relevant to the case)
- Minor’s identifiers (in family law matters)
Access for Vulnerable Populations
Crime victims, confidential informants, and protected parties can petition for confidentiality under Pen. Code § 293.5 and Fam. Code § 6301. The Safe at Home address confidentiality program, administered by the California Secretary of State, provides substitute mailing addresses for qualifying applicants.
Record Retention Schedules and Archival Access
Per California Rules of Court 10.855 and 10.856, Butte County permanently retains felony criminal cases, civil unlimited cases, probate files, and family law judgments. Misdemeanor and infraction files are retained at least 10 years. Juvenile records are typically destroyed or sealed 5 years after jurisdiction ends (WIC § 826). Microfilm records dating to 1853 remain accessible through the Records Division for historical and genealogical research.
Archival Research Process
Researchers seeking pre-1998 records must submit a request to the Records Division specifying case number, party name, and approximate filing date. Staff retrieve microfilm reels from the on-site archive. Reproduction costs follow the standard $0.50 per page fee plus a $10 microfilm retrieval surcharge per Gov. Code § 70627(e).
How to Find Butte County Warrants
Active felony warrants are searchable through the Butte County Sheriff’s Office warrant database. For civil bench warrants (failure to appear, judgment debtor), search the civil docket by party name in the RPA portal. For federal warrants in Butte County, consult the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division.
Felony Warrant Search Steps
- Visit the Butte County Sheriff’s Office website at buttecounty.gov
- Navigate to the Corrections or Warrants section
- Search by full legal name and date of birth
- Review results for active warrant status, charges, and bond amount
- Contact an attorney or appear at the Sheriff’s Office for resolution
Civil bench warrants do not appear in the Sheriff’s database. They show up only in the Butte County Superior Court civil docket under the defendant or party name. A search by last name and first name yields all matching cases with bench warrant indicators in the docket entries.
Resources for Self-Represented Litigants
The Butte County Law Library Self-Help Center, located at the Oroville courthouse, provides free legal information, form assistance, and procedural guidance for self-represented parties. The center operates Monday through Friday during court hours. The Self-Help Center assists with family law filings, name changes, small claims, evictions, and other civil matters. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct patrons to applicable forms and resources.
Self-Help Center Services
- Form packet preparation assistance
- Procedural information on filing requirements
- Referrals to legal aid organizations (Legal Services of Northern California)
- Access to public law library materials and legal databases
- Family law facilitator for child support and custody matters
Authority, Sources, and Editorial Standards
This content was fact-checked against the Butte County Superior Court official public records page in July 2026. All statutory references cite current California codes as of the 2026 legislative session. Fee schedule data reflects the Court Records Schedule adopted July 1, 2025, operative through June 30, 2027.
Primary Custodian: Butte County Superior Court — Records Division, 1 Court Street, Oroville, CA 95965
Governing Law: California Rules of Court (Judicial Council of California); California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920.000 et seq.); California Penal Code Title 12 (Pleadings and Process)
Legal Disclaimer: This page is informational only and not legal advice. For case-specific questions, consult a California-licensed attorney or contact the Butte County Law Library Self-Help Center at (530) 532-7018.
Quick Reference: Official Contact Details
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Courthouse (Oroville) | 1 Court Street, Oroville, CA 95965 | (530) 532-7000 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Records Division (Oroville) | 1 Court Street, Oroville, CA 95965 | (530) 532-7011 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Chico Courthouse | 2115 Forest Avenue, Suite 30, Chico, CA 95928 | (530) 891-2741 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Self-Help Center | 1 Court Street, Oroville, CA 95965 | (530) 532-7018 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
Official Website: butte.courts.ca.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Butte court records give you direct access to criminal cases, civil filings, family law documents, probate matters, and traffic citations filed in Butte County, California. The Superior Court Clerk’s Office at 1 Court Street in Oroville stores these public files under the California Public Records Act. You can search them online through the court’s portal, visit the clerk’s office in person, or request copies by mail. Records from 1980 forward appear in the digital index, and older cases sit on microfilm reels at the clerk’s office. This FAQ answers common questions about finding, viewing, and requesting Butte court records in 2026.
How do I search Butte court records online for free?
Visit the Butte County Superior Court online case search portal at the court’s official website. Type the party name, case number, or filing date into the search field. Results show case type, hearing dates, party details, and document list. You can view summaries at no cost. Printed copies or certified copies cost $0.50 per page. The portal covers criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic cases filed since the 1980s. For older Butte court records, contact the clerk’s office about microfilm retrieval. Online access works 24 hours a day from any device with internet service.
What types of Butte County public court records can I view?
Butte County public court records include criminal complaints, civil petitions, divorce filings, custody orders, probate documents, small claims cases, and traffic infractions. Each file holds the petition, responses, motions, court orders, and final judgments. Sealed records, juvenile cases, and certain family law documents stay confidential under California law. You can access marriage licenses, name changes, and adoption files through restricted channels. The clerk’s office holds these records for decades, making Butte court record access one of the most complete in Northern California.
Where do I go in Oroville to find Butte court case search records?
Head to the Butte County Superior Court Clerk’s Office at 1 Court Street in Oroville, California. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you have, such as the case number, party name, or filing date. Public terminals let you search the digital index for free. Staff can help you locate files, pull microfilm, or order certified copies. Plan for wait times during lunch hours and on Mondays.
How do I perform a Butte court docket search using a case number?
Start at the online portal and select Case Number Search from the menu. Enter the full case number with the year prefix and court code, such as 24CV00123. Hit search to see the full docket listing. Each entry shows the document title, filing date, and hearing schedule. Click any document to view scanned pages. If you cannot find the number, call the clerk’s office at (530) 532-7002. Staff can verify case numbers and walk you through the Butte court docket search step by step.
Can I search Butte court documents from my phone?
Yes, the Butte County court website works on mobile browsers without an app download. Open Safari or Chrome, go to the case search page, and enter your search terms. The responsive design fits smaller screens, so you can read case summaries, view hearing calendars, and check filing dates on the go. Mobile users can sign up for email alerts when new documents post to a case. For full document downloads, a tablet or laptop gives you a better viewing experience.
What do I need to look up Butte judicial records in person?
Bring three key items to the Oroville clerk’s office: a valid photo ID, the case number or party name, and payment for any copy fees. Cash, checks, and credit cards all work at the counter. Arrive before 3:30 PM with extra time for pulling files from storage. If you need certified copies, request them early in the day. Staff can walk you through your Butte judicial records lookup and show you how to use public terminals.