Orange County, CA Courts and Public Records
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- Judgments
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The Superior Court of California, County of Orange is the single trial court for Orange County. It hears criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, juvenile, and appeal matters.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Superior Court of California, County of Orange |
| Main Phone | (657) 622-6878 (Central Justice Center) |
| Website | www.occourts.org |
| Judicial Officers | 127 authorized judges and 18 subordinate judicial officers (145 total authorized judicial positions) as of June 30, 2025 (Judicial Council, FY 2024-25) |
| Courthouse Locations | 9 (Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Orange, Santa Ana, Westminster) |
| Handles | Criminal, traffic, civil, probate, juvenile, family law, and mental health matters at its justice centers |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court) and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Case Access by case type |
| Criminal Records Requests | Criminal Operations at any Justice Center, or copy requests by mail on Form L-3009 (Copy and Record Search Requests) |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Citation Payment Processing (only on or before the original due date) |
How to Search Orange County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search Orange County court records.
Online
Go to Case Access by case type to look up cases by name or case number.
Review the case summary and docket for status and parties.
Confirm any fee shown on the portal before you pay.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to any Orange County Justice Center's Criminal Operations department for record searches, or the Justice Center where the case was filed for copies.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk for the division that handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Mail or Email
Send Form L-3009 with the case details and a check payable to Clerk of the Court for copy requests.
Include the case number, party names, and your return address.
Call the court first to confirm which form the clerk needs.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit in person
Search by Name on CaliforniaCourtAccess.org
Go to CaliforniaCourtAccess.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types at once without a case number.
Confirm results in the official court portal, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Orange County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
Orange County's Superior Court received 426,714 new filings in fiscal year 2024-25 and reported 390,708 dispositions. Its filings per authorized judicial position rank 24 of 58 counties.
426,714
Total filings in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 395,178)
390,708
Total dispositions in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 358,670)
2,943
Filings per judicial position (rank 24 of 58 counties; 1 = most)
+8.0%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023-24 (395,178)
| Metric | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 426,714 | 395,178 | +8.0% |
| Total Dispositions | 390,708 | 358,670 | +8.9% |
| Criminal Filings (includes traffic) | 317,993 | 295,490 | +7.6% |
| Civil Filings (includes small claims) | 74,405 | 65,750 | +13.2% |
| Family Law Filings | 21,048 | 21,205 | -0.7% |
| Probate Filings | 4,336 | 3,911 | +10.9% |
| Mental Health Filings | 3,021 | 2,716 | +11.2% |
| Juvenile Filings (delinquency and dependency) | 5,476 | 5,651 | -3.1% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | 145.0 | 145.0 | No change |
The largest driver of the change was criminal (+22,503 filings), followed by civil (+8,655).
How Have Court Filings Changed in Orange County?
Total filings in Orange County moved up over the five fiscal years shown; dispositions are shown beside filings.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2024-25 | 426,714 | 390,708 | +8.0% |
| FY 2023-24 | 395,178 | 358,670 | +9.1% |
| FY 2022-23 | 362,304 | 352,667 | +1.6% |
| FY 2021-22 | 356,727 | 354,668 | -4.4% |
| FY 2020-21 | 373,014 | ~357,502 | -4.6% |
Total filings changed +14.4% between FY 2020-21 and FY 2024-25, from 373,014 to 426,714. The largest annual change was +9.1% in FY 2023-24. The latest change, FY 2024-25, was +8.0%, led by criminal filings (+22,503).
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Orange County?
Criminal cases make up the largest share of Orange County filings at 74.5% of the 426,714 filed in FY 2024-25.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024-25 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 317,993 | 74.5% | +7.6% |
| Traffic infractions | 246,847 | 57.8% | +7.8% |
| Traffic misdemeanors | 12,203 | 2.9% | -0.3% |
| Felonies | 14,696 | 3.4% | +18.1% |
| Nontraffic misdemeanors and infractions | 44,247 | 10.4% | +5.9% |
| Civil | 74,405 | 17.4% | +13.2% |
| Unlimited civil | 23,555 | 5.5% | +0.8% |
| Limited civil (includes unlawful detainer) | 44,175 | 10.4% | +23.3% |
| Small claims | 6,675 | 1.6% | +2.2% |
| Family law | 21,048 | 4.9% | -0.7% |
| Mental health | 3,021 | 0.7% | +11.2% |
| Probate | 4,336 | 1.0% | +10.9% |
| Juvenile delinquency | 3,502 | 0.8% | -3.9% |
| Juvenile dependency | 1,974 | 0.5% | -1.7% |
| Appeals and habeas corpus | 435 | 0.1% | -4.4% |
Limited civil cases were the fastest-growing category at +23.3%, while juvenile delinquency cases fell fastest at -3.9%.
How Does Orange County Compare With California Overall?
Orange County accounted for 8.04% of the 5,306,078 cases filed statewide in California superior courts in FY 2024-25, and its filings grew 8.0% while statewide filings grew 8.5%.
| Metric | Orange County | California | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 426,714 | 5,306,078 | 8.04% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +8.0% | +8.5% | -0.5 points vs state |
| Filings per judicial position | 2,943 | 2,636 | +11.6% vs state |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | 2,523 | 1,741 | +44.9% vs state |
| Criminal share of filings (includes traffic) | 74.5% | 70.1% | +4.4 points vs state |
| Civil share of filings (includes small claims) | 17.4% | 19.5% | -2.1 points vs state |
| Family law share of filings | 4.9% | 5.9% | -0.9 points vs state |
Orange County's criminal share is higher than the statewide share and its civil share is lower. Its filings per judicial position are above the statewide figure.
Orange County Crime Statistics (2024)
These figures cover offenses reported by all law enforcement agencies in Orange County, as published by the California Department of Justice. Total reported crimes fell 6.7% from 67,273 in 2023 to 62,765 in 2024.
9,757
Violent crimes in 2024
53,008
Property crimes in 2024
~307.7
Violent crime rate per 100K residents
-6.7%
Change in total reported crimes vs 2023
| Offense | 2024 | Rate per 100K | 2023 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 56 | ~1.8 | 54 | +3.7% |
| Rape | 794 | ~25.0 | 736 | +7.9% |
| Robbery | 2,059 | ~64.9 | 1,969 | +4.6% |
| Aggravated assault | 6,848 | ~216.0 | 6,581 | +4.1% |
| Violent crimes total | 9,757 | ~307.7 | 9,340 | +4.5% |
| Burglary | 7,616 | ~240.2 | 9,896 | -23.0% |
| Larceny-theft | 38,749 | ~1,222.2 | 40,196 | -3.6% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 6,643 | ~209.5 | 7,841 | -15.3% |
| Property crimes total | 53,008 | ~1,671.9 | 57,933 | -8.5% |
Per 100K residents, Orange County recorded a violent crime rate of about 307.7 against the statewide rate of about 477.1, and a property crime rate of about 1,671.9 against the statewide rate of about 2,069.1.
Orange County Courthouse Locations
Orange County has 9 Superior Court locations. Check your notice or ticket for the assigned courthouse and division before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Justice Center | 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 | (657) 622-6878 | Ability to pay in person; in-person payments and Criminal Operations (see location page) |
| Civil Complex Center | 751 West Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701 | (657) 622-6878 | In-person payments and Criminal Operations (see location page) |
| Community Court | 909 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 | (657) 622-5800 | In-person payments and Criminal Operations (see location page) |
| Costa Mesa Justice Complex | 3390 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1554 | (657) 622-8452 | In-person payments and Criminal Operations (see location page) |
| Department CJ1 Orange County Men's Jail | 550 N. Flower St., Santa Ana, CA 92703 | (657) 622-6878 | See location page |
| Harbor Justice Center - Newport Beach | 4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660-2595 | (657) 622-5400 | Ability to pay in person; in-person payments and Criminal Operations (see location page) |
| Lamoreaux Justice Center | 341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868-3205 | (657) 622-6878 | In-person payments and Criminal Operations (see location page) |
| North Justice Center | 1275 North Berkeley Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832-1258 | (657) 622-5600 | Ability to pay in person; in-person payments and Criminal Operations (see location page) |
| Stephen K. Tamura - West Justice Center | 8141 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683-4593 | (657) 622-5900 | Ability to pay in person; in-person payments and Criminal Operations (see location page) |
Locations, addresses, and phone numbers from the court's locations directory.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Orange County?
Superior Court of California, County of Orange hears most Orange County cases in its divisions, while parking tickets and federal cases are handled outside this court.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Traffic Division | Pay through Citation Payment Processing or My Court Portal, or in person at any Justice Center. |
| Parking ticket | Agency that issued the ticket | The court's Traffic Division does not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | Criminal Division | Misdemeanor cases are heard in the Criminal Division; Criminal Operations handles record searches. |
| Felony | Criminal Division | Felony cases are heard in the Criminal Division. |
| DUI | Criminal Division | DUI charges are heard in the Criminal Division; check the charge on your paperwork. |
| Domestic violence | Criminal or Family Law Division | Criminal charges go to the Criminal Division; family law matters go to the Family Law Division. |
| Civil lawsuit | Civil Division | Civil cases are heard in the court's Civil division. |
| Small claims | Small Claims Division | Small claims cases are heard in the court's Small Claims division. |
| Eviction | Civil Division | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the Civil division. |
| Divorce | Family Law Division | Marital dissolution cases are heard in the Family Law division. |
| Child custody or support | Family Law Division | Custody and support matters are heard in the Family Law division. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Division | Probate matters are heard in the Probate division. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Division | Juvenile matters are heard in the court's Juvenile division. |
| Appeal | California Courts of Appeal | Appeals from superior court judgments go to the Court of Appeal for the district. |
Are Orange County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Orange County court records are public, with exceptions. California Rules of Court, rules 2.500 to 2.507, govern public access to electronic trial court records.
Public records
Most civil, criminal, traffic, and small claims case information is open to the public, subject to the rules and to any court order.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, and certain confidential family, probate, and mental health records are restricted. Access to them requires a court order or is limited by law.
Online access
Case Access on occourts.org links to separate portals: Criminal and Traffic, Civil, Family Law, Probate, and Small Claims. Case information is separate from document access.
In-person access
Visit Criminal Operations at any Justice Center, or the clerk's office at the Justice Center where the case was filed for copies.
Fees
Court fees are listed on the fee schedule. Copy and search costs apply; check the schedule for amounts.
How to Search Orange County Court Records Online
Use the court's official online portals to search Orange County cases by case type, and request documents that are not available online from the clerk.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, or juvenile.
- Open the official portal for that case type: the Case Access portals on occourts.org (criminal and traffic, civil, family law, probate, and small claims).
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case information for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the clerk to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Criminal and Traffic Case Access | Case information and calendar | Copies need Form L-3009 through the clerk |
| Traffic | Criminal and Traffic Case Access; pay at Citation Payment Processing | Case status and payment | Payment only on or before the original due date |
| Civil | Civil Case & Document Access | Civil case information and documents | Some documents may need a clerk request |
| Small claims | Small Claims Case Access | Small claims case information | Some documents may need a clerk request |
| Family law | Family Law Case Access | Family law case information | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Probate Case Access | Probate case information | Restricted filings are not shown |
| Juvenile | Clerk at any Justice Center | Case information through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are restricted |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Orange County
Orange County traffic and criminal fines can be paid through the methods the Superior Court of California, County of Orange lists on its official pages.
- Online: pay a citation through Citation Payment Processing, only on or before the original due date. Extensions, payment plans, and other online services go through My Court Portal.
- By mail: send checks or money orders payable to Clerk of the Court to Information Payment Center, P.O. Box 6040, Newport Beach, CA 92658-6040. Do not mail cash.
- In person: pay at any Justice Center, with locations and hours at Locations and Contact Info. Cash is accepted only in person.
- Installment plan: available for traffic citation bail. Apply through My Court Portal or at the Clerk's Office.
- Ability to pay: submit the Ability to Pay form through MyCitations or in person at the Central, Harbor, North, or West Justice Center.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by this court's Traffic Division.
Orange County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Orange County court records?
Use Case Access to search by name or case number, or request copies at a Justice Center.
Are Orange County court records public?
Most are, under California Rules of Court rules 2.500 to 2.507, but juvenile, sealed, and certain confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search Criminal and Traffic Case Access by name, or visit Criminal Operations at any Justice Center.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, or search the case on Criminal and Traffic Case Access.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online through Citation Payment Processing on or before the original due date, by mail, or in person at any Justice Center.
How many cases are filed in Orange County each year?
Orange County recorded 395,178 filings in FY 2023-24, up 9.1% from 362,304 in FY 2022-23.
What is the most common type of case?
Criminal cases, including traffic, at 295,490 filings or 74.8% of the FY 2023-24 total, with traffic infractions alone at 229,046.
Is crime in Orange County rising or falling?
Reported crimes fell 6.7% in 2024 to 62,765 from 67,273 in 2023, according to the California Department of Justice.
Courts in the County
Orange County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA, 92701 |
| Phone Number: | 657-622-6878 |
| Website: | https://www.occourts.org/ |
Useful Links
- Orange County Superior Court: The official site for the Orange County Superior Court, offering online services, case access, and general court information.
- Judicial Branch of California: Find statewide court information and resources. Access forms, rules, and services for California courts.
- Orange County Case Access: Access civil, family, criminal, and traffic case information. Search for case information by number or party.
- Public Law Center: A non-profit providing free legal services to low-income residents of Orange County. Offers clinics and advocacy.
- California Attorney General's Office: Offers resources on consumer protection, legal opinions, and the oversight of state agencies. Access public records requests.
- California Courts Self-Help Center: Offers help in legal matters, providing self-help resources, court forms, and guidance for representing yourself.
- Disability Benefits 101: Information on health coverage, benefits, and employment for disabled individuals in California. Tools and calculators available.
- Orange County Juvenile Court: Resources and information for juvenile court proceedings, including dependency, delinquency, and mental health cases.
- Orange County Court Calendar: Access up-to-date court calendars to find specific case hearings, department assignments, and judge schedules.
- Orange County Court Forms: Download required court forms for various case types, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters.
- Legal Aid Society of Orange County: Provides free and affordable legal services in civil matters to eligible residents. Offers community legal clinics and assistance.
- Orange County Government: Official website for county services, departments, and resources. Includes links to government agencies and public records.
- Orange County Probation Department: Offers information on probation services, programs, and resources for adults and juveniles under probation in Orange County.
- Orange County Family Law Division: Practical help and information related to family law matters, including divorce, custody, and support issues.
- Judicial Council of California: Administrative policy-making body of the California courts, responsible for ensuring consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration.
- Orange County Court Payment Portal: Pay various court fees and fines online, including traffic citations and other case-related payments.
- State Bar of California: Licensing and regulatory agency for attorneys in California. Offers attorney search, ethics guidelines, and legal resources.
- Orange County Public Defender: Provides legal representation to indigent clients charged with crimes. Information about services, rights, and client resources.
- ACLU of Southern California: Advocates for civil rights and liberties in Southern California. Offers legal filings, education, and advocacy resources.
- Orange County Civil Division: Offers resources and information for civil cases, including case management, filings, and related services.
Table of Contents
- Orange County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Orange County Court Records
- Orange County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Orange County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Orange County?
- How Does Orange County Compare With California Overall?
- Orange County Crime Statistics (2024)
- Orange County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Orange County?
- Are Orange County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Orange County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Orange County
- Orange County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links