Court records in Butte County, California can be searched through several channels. ButteCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Butte County Superior Court's online case information portal, visit the clerk's office at either courthouse location, or use public-access terminals available on site. The California Public Records Act generally guarantees access to non-confidential government records.
Butte Court System & Jurisdictions
California uses a unified trial court system. In Butte County, the Superior Court of California, County of Butte is the single trial-level court handling virtually all case types. There are no separate district, magistrate, or municipal courts — the Superior Court absorbs those functions.
The court operates out of two locations:
Butte County Courthouse
North Butte County Courthouse
Case Types Handled
- Criminal: Felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions filed by the Butte County District Attorney or city attorneys
- Civil: Unlimited and limited civil cases (limited civil involves amounts up to $25,000)
- Small Claims: Disputes up to $10,000 for individuals ($5,000 for businesses), heard without attorneys
- Family Law: Divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence restraining orders, paternity
- Probate: Wills, estates, conservatorships, guardianships
- Traffic: Traffic infractions and moving violations
- Juvenile: Delinquency and dependency matters (these records are generally confidential)
The court accepts electronic filings in civil, family, probate, criminal, traffic, juvenile delinquency, and juvenile dependency cases. For appeals from Superior Court decisions, cases go to the California Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento. The Judicial Branch of California website provides statewide court information and resources.
Butte Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court calendar in Butte County, use the court's online tools:
- Go to the Butte County Superior Court Online Services page.
- Select Court Calendars to view scheduled hearings by department, date, or case type.
- You can also look up a specific case through the Case Information portal, which displays upcoming hearing dates tied to individual cases.
Calendars typically cover criminal, civil, family law, probate, and traffic departments at both the Oroville and Chico courthouses. If you need information about a specific department's schedule and cannot find it online, call the courthouse directly.
Keep in mind that calendar entries may change on short notice due to continuances, settlements, or judicial reassignments. Confirm hearing dates the day before if you plan to attend.
How to Get a Copy of a Butte Court Document
Butte County Superior Court offers three ways to obtain copies of court documents:
1. Online
Use the case information portal to view case details. Some documents may be viewable online, but for official copies you will generally need to submit a request to the clerk's office.
2. In Person
Visit either courthouse and request copies at the clerk's window. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) for staff to locate the file.
3. By Mail
Download and complete the court's Copy Request Form. Mail it with the required fees to:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents, suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the court's official seal and clerk's signature. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, or when a document must be authenticated.
Additional court forms — including transcript request forms and change-of-address forms — are available on the court's website.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not available to the general public, including:
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile case files
- Confidential family law or adoption records
- Records subject to a court protective order
If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
Butte Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and searches at Butte County Superior Court are set by California Government Code §§ 70600–70677 and the Uniform Civil Fees and Standard Fee Schedule adopted by the Judicial Council. The court publishes its current fee and bail schedules online. Below are common fees — confirm current amounts with the clerk, as fees may be updated by statute.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document (per document) | $40.00 |
| Search of court records (per name or case, per 10-year period) | $15.00 |
| Copy of document from microfilm (per page) | $1.00 |
| Retrieval of file from archive | Varies — contact clerk |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (a convenience fee may apply to card payments)
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Butte County Superior Court"
- Online: The court offers online payment for certain fees through its Online Services page
When mailing a request, include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want documents returned by mail. Processing times vary; allow at least 7–10 business days for mail requests. For questions about specific fees not listed above, contact the clerk's office at (530) 532-7002.