San Francisco County, CA Courts and Public Records
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The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco is the city and county's single trial court. It handles criminal, traffic, civil, and family law cases, including juvenile dependency and child support.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco |
| Main Address | Civic Center Courthouse, 400 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 |
| Main Phone | (415) 551-4000 |
| Website | sf.courts.ca.gov |
| Judicial Officers | 52 authorized judges and 3.9 subordinate judicial officers (55.9 total authorized judicial positions) as of June 30, 2025 (Judicial Council, FY 2024-25) |
| Courthouse Locations | 4 (San Francisco: Civic Center Courthouse, Hall of Justice, Polk Street Annex, Juvenile Justice Center) |
| Handles | Criminal cases (Criminal Division at the Hall of Justice), traffic, civil, family law, and juvenile dependency and child support |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California) |
| Online Case Search | Case Information |
| Criminal Records Requests | Criminal Clerk's Office, Room 101, Hall of Justice, (415) 551-0651; online through the GovQA Records Request Portal |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Pay Traffic Citations |
How to Search San Francisco County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if known, and the approximate dates ready before you search San Francisco County court records.
Online
Submit a request through the GovQA Records Request Portal.
The request form asks for a file number and file name.
Case Information on the court site lists online case services.
Best for: Requesting copies without visiting
In Person
Go to the Criminal Clerk's Office, Room 101, Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant St.
Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Civil and family matters are at the Civic Center Courthouse, 400 McAllister Street.
Best for: Criminal records and in-person pickups
By Mail or Email
Criminal Division records can be mailed rather than picked up.
The court page does not give a mailing address for requests.
Call (415) 551-0651 before sending anything by mail.
Best for: Criminal records you cannot pick up
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 with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
San Francisco County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
San Francisco County's Superior Court received 82,648 new filings in fiscal year 2024-25 and reported 23,710 dispositions (incomplete). Its filings per authorized judicial position rank 53 of 58 counties.
82,648
Total filings in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 71,080)
23,710 (incomplete)
Total dispositions in FY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24: 22,476)
1,478
Filings per judicial position (rank 53 of 58 counties; 1 = most)
+16.3%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023-24 (71,080)
| Metric | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 82,648 | 71,080 | +16.3% |
| Total Dispositions | 23,710 (incomplete) | 22,476 (incomplete) | +5.5% |
| Criminal Filings (includes traffic) | 53,563 | 44,833 | +19.5% |
| Civil Filings (includes small claims) | 18,389 | 15,430 | +19.2% |
| Family Law Filings | 4,262 | 4,073 | +4.6% |
| Probate Filings | 1,128 | 1,048 | +7.6% |
| Mental Health Filings | 4,339 | 4,581 | -5.3% |
| Juvenile Filings (delinquency and dependency) | 816 | 952 | -14.3% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | 55.9 | 55.9 | No change |
The largest driver of the change was criminal (+8,730 filings), followed by civil (+2,959). Dispositions flagged as incomplete by the court are marked (incomplete) and the disposition change should be read with caution.
How Have Court Filings Changed in San Francisco County?
Total filings in San Francisco 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 | 82,648 | 23,710 (incomplete) | +16.3% |
| FY 2023-24 | 71,080 | 22,476 (incomplete) | +23.3% |
| FY 2022-23 | 57,653 | ~51,888 | 0.0% |
| FY 2021-22 | 57,681 | ~51,913 | -3.4% |
| FY 2020-21 | 59,696 | ~53,726 | -33.0% |
Total filings changed +38.4% between FY 2020-21 and FY 2024-25, from 59,696 to 82,648. The largest annual change was +23.3% in FY 2023-24. The latest change, FY 2024-25, was +16.3%, led by criminal filings (+8,730). Dispositions flagged as incomplete are marked (incomplete) and years flagged by the court should be read with caution.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in San Francisco County?
Criminal cases make up the largest share of San Francisco County filings at 64.8% of the 82,648 filed in FY 2024-25.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024-25 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 53,563 | 64.8% | +19.5% |
| Traffic infractions | 42,018 | 50.8% | +20.9% |
| Traffic misdemeanors | 942 | 1.1% | +61.0% |
| Felonies | 3,393 | 4.1% | -8.2% |
| Nontraffic misdemeanors and infractions | 7,210 | 8.7% | +24.4% |
| Civil | 18,389 | 22.2% | +19.2% |
| Unlimited civil | 7,173 | 8.7% | +8.0% |
| Limited civil (includes unlawful detainer) | 9,650 | 11.7% | +32.6% |
| Small claims | 1,566 | 1.9% | +3.9% |
| Family law | 4,262 | 5.2% | +4.6% |
| Mental health | 4,339 | 5.2% | -5.3% |
| Probate | 1,128 | 1.4% | +7.6% |
| Juvenile delinquency | 387 | 0.5% | -27.4% |
| Juvenile dependency | 429 | 0.5% | +2.4% |
| Appeals and habeas corpus | 151 | 0.2% | -7.4% |
Traffic misdemeanors cases were the fastest-growing category at +61.0%, while juvenile delinquency cases fell fastest at -27.4%.
How Does San Francisco County Compare With California Overall?
San Francisco County accounted for 1.56% of the 5,306,078 cases filed statewide in California superior courts in FY 2024-25, and its filings grew 16.3% while statewide filings grew 8.5%.
| Metric | San Francisco County | California | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 82,648 | 5,306,078 | 1.56% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +16.3% | +8.5% | +7.8 points vs state |
| Filings per judicial position | 1,478 | 2,636 | -43.9% vs state |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | 394 | 1,741 | -77.4% vs state |
| Criminal share of filings (includes traffic) | 64.8% | 70.1% | -5.3 points vs state |
| Civil share of filings (includes small claims) | 22.2% | 19.5% | +2.7 points vs state |
| Family law share of filings | 5.2% | 5.9% | -0.7 points vs state |
San Francisco County's criminal share is lower than the statewide share and its civil share is higher. Its filings per judicial position are below the statewide figure.
San Francisco County Crime Statistics (2024)
These figures cover offenses reported by all law enforcement agencies in San Francisco County, as published by California DOJ OpenJustice for 2024 and 2023. Total reported violent and property crimes fell 25.8% to 37,849 in 2024 from 51,032 in 2023.
4,978
Violent crimes in 2024 (-12.8% vs 2023)
32,871
Property crimes in 2024 (-27.5% vs 2023)
~601.6
Violent crime rate per 100K residents, 2024
-25.8%
Change in total reported crimes vs 2023 (51,032 to 37,849)
| Offense | 2024 | Rate per 100K | 2023 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 36 | ~4.4 | 51 | -29.4% |
| Rape | 289 | ~34.9 | 297 | -2.7% |
| Robbery | 2,235 | ~270.1 | 2,828 | -21.0% |
| Aggravated assault | 2,418 | ~292.2 | 2,535 | -4.6% |
| Violent crimes total | 4,978 | ~601.6 | 5,711 | -12.8% |
| Burglary | 5,217 | ~630.4 | 5,696 | -8.4% |
| Larceny-theft | 22,155 | ~2,677.3 | 32,841 | -32.5% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5,499 | ~664.5 | 6,784 | -18.9% |
| Property crimes total | 32,871 | ~3,972.2 | 45,321 | -27.5% |
The violent crime rate is ~601.6 per 100K countywide, 26% above the statewide rate of ~477.1, and the property crime rate is ~3,972.2 per 100K, 92% above the statewide rate of ~2,069.1.
San Francisco County Courthouse Locations
San Francisco County has four Superior Court locations in San Francisco. Check your notice for the assigned location before you go, since the court's location pages do not list services for every site.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Center Courthouse | 400 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 | (415) 551-4000 | Civil (Room 103); Traffic Division, (415) 551-8550; Family Law, Juvenile Dependency and Child Support (Room 402, (415) 551-3900); Jury Services (415) 551-3608 |
| Hall of Justice | 850 Bryant St., San Francisco, CA 94103 | (415) 551-0651 (Criminal Clerk) | Criminal Clerk's Office, Room 101 (criminal records) |
| Polk Street Annex | 575 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94102 | See location page | See location page |
| Juvenile Justice Center | 375 Woodside Ave., San Francisco, CA 94127 | See location page | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in San Francisco County?
San Francisco's Superior Court divisions handle most local matters, while federal cases go to the U.S. District Court. Check your paperwork for the division and room before you go.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Traffic Division, Civic Center Courthouse | Pay online through Pay Traffic Citations; traffic questions can go to (415) 551-8550. |
| Misdemeanor | Criminal Division, Hall of Justice | Criminal Clerk's Office, Room 101, (415) 551-0651; criminal records are picked up in person or mailed. |
| Felony | Criminal Division, Hall of Justice | Criminal Clerk's Office, Room 101, (415) 551-0651; a Certificate of the Record costs $40 per court number. |
| Civil lawsuit | Civil Division, Civic Center Courthouse | Civil Division is in Room 103, reached through (415) 551-4000. |
| Divorce | Family Law, Civic Center Courthouse | Family Law is in Room 402, (415) 551-3900. |
| Child custody or support | Family Law, Civic Center Courthouse | Child support services are in Room 402, (415) 551-3900. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Dependency, Civic Center Courthouse | Juvenile dependency matters are in Room 402, (415) 551-3900; the Juvenile Justice Center is at 375 Woodside Ave. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California | Not handled by the Superior Court. |
Are San Francisco County Court Records Public?
Yes, most San Francisco County court records are public, with exceptions for sealed, confidential, and juvenile records.
Public records
Under California Rules of Court, rules 2.500 to 2.507, the public may inspect most trial court records, including civil, criminal, and traffic case files.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed records, juvenile records, and records made confidential by law or court order are not available without a court order or legal right.
Online access
Case Information on the court website lists the online case services. Traffic citations are paid through Pay Traffic Citations, and not every document is online.
In-person access
Criminal Division records are handled at Room 101, Hall of Justice, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Criminal Division records must be picked up there or mailed.
Fees
The court states a fee of $40 per court number for a Certificate of the Record. The court pages reviewed do not state fees for other records.
How to Search San Francisco County Court Records Online
Use the court's online services to find San Francisco County cases, and request documents that are not online through the records request portal.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, or family law.
- Open Case Information on the court website to see the online services available.
- Search by name or case number and note the case number from any results.
- Review the case details available to you online.
- Request documents that are not online through the GovQA Records Request Portal or the Criminal Clerk's Office.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Criminal Clerk's Office, Room 101, or the GovQA portal | Records requested by the public, picked up or mailed | Criminal Division records must be picked up in person or mailed; avoid duplicate requests |
| Traffic | Pay Traffic Citations | Citation payment | Court page does not describe traffic case search; call (415) 551-8540 for citation information |
| Civil | Case Information | Online case services | Details of the portal are not stated; the Civil Division is in Room 103 |
| Small claims | Civil Division, Room 103, (415) 551-4000 | Case information through the clerk | Small claims details are not described separately on the court pages |
| Family law | Family Law, Room 402, (415) 551-3900 | Case information through the clerk | Family details are restricted; confirm with the clerk |
| Juvenile | Juvenile Dependency, Room 402, (415) 551-3900 | Limited information through the clerk | Juvenile case records are confidential and not in the public search |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in San Francisco County
The court lists one official online method for traffic citations, along with an ability-to-pay page for people who cannot afford the amount due.
- Online: Pay Traffic Citations. You will need your case number and the amount due.
- Ability to pay: Read the Can't Afford to Pay page on the court website before you pay.
Parking tickets are separate from traffic citations; follow the payment instructions printed on the ticket.
San Francisco County Court Records FAQ
How do I search San Francisco County court records?
Start with Case Information for online services, or submit a request through the GovQA Records Request Portal.
Are San Francisco County court records public?
Most are, under California Rules of Court, rules 2.500 to 2.507, but sealed, juvenile, and confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Call the Criminal Clerk's Office at (415) 551-0651 or submit a request through the GovQA portal; criminal records must be picked up in person or mailed.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or citation, then look up the case through Case Information or call the clerk for the case type.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online through Pay Traffic Citations with your case number and amount due, or review the ability-to-pay page first.
How many cases are filed in San Francisco County each year?
San Francisco County recorded 71,080 filings in FY 2023-24, up 23.3% from 57,653 in FY 2022-23.
What is the most common type of case?
Criminal cases, including traffic, made up 44,833 filings or 63.1% of the FY 2023-24 total, with traffic infractions alone at 34,753.
Is crime in San Francisco County rising or falling?
Total reported violent and property crimes fell 25.8% to 37,849 in 2024 from 51,032 in 2023, according to California DOJ data.
Courts in the County
California 1st District Court of AppealMore Info
| Address: | 350 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102 |
| Phone Number: | 415-865-7300 |
| Fax: | 415-865-7309 |
| Website: | https://www.courts.ca.gov/1dca.htm |
San Francisco County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 400 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA, 94102 |
| Phone Number: | 415-551-4000 |
| Website: | https://sfsuperiorcourt.org |
Supreme Court of CaliforniaMore Info
| Address: | 350 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102 |
| Phone Number: | 415-865-7000 |
| Website: | https://www.courts.ca.gov/supremecourt.htm |
Useful Links
- Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Official court website providing information about court services and case access.
- San Francisco Superior Court - Civil Division - Handles all civil cases, including contract disputes, tort claims, and other civil actions.
- San Francisco Superior Court - Criminal Division - Manages felony, misdemeanor, and infraction cases within San Francisco County jurisdiction.
- San Francisco Superior Court - Family Division - Offers family law services, including divorce, custody, and child support cases information.
- Jury Services - San Francisco Superior Court - Provides information about jury duty, including how to check status and report instructions.
- Traffic Division - San Francisco Superior Court - Manages traffic citations, fines, and offers information about contesting tickets.
- California Courts - Home - Comprehensive state court portal including resources and case access for all California county courts.
- Self-Help Center - San Francisco Superior Court - Expands access to legal self-help services covering a wide range of legal issues.
- Office of the Public Defender - Dedicated to providing legal defense for low-income residents facing criminal charges in San Francisco.
- The Bar Association of San Francisco - Legal resources, attorney listings, and community programs serving the San Francisco legal community.
- San Francisco District Attorney's Office - Information about prosecution services, victim resources, and initiatives to improve public safety.
- 211 Bay Area - Connects individuals with essential services and resources, including legal aid and social services in the Bay Area.
- California Courts Self-Help Guide - Statewide resource for individuals seeking self-help information across numerous legal issues.
- California Family Courts - Nolo’s guide providing insightful information about navigating family court and family law issues in California.
- LawHelpCA - Legal Information and Referral - Offers free legal information and resources for self-representation in California courts.
- Victim and Family Services - San Francisco DA - Support services and information for crime victims and their families in San Francisco.
- Bay Area Legal Aid - Free civil legal advice and representation services for low-income residents in the Bay Area, including San Francisco.
- City and County of San Francisco Human Rights Commission - Advocates for human and civil rights and enforces non-discrimination policies.
- San Francisco Volunteer Lawyers - Pro bono legal services and volunteer opportunities for lawyers interested in serving the community.
- Judicial Council of California - Court Forms - Access to state court forms required for filing legal documents in California courts.
Table of Contents
- San Francisco County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search San Francisco County Court Records
- San Francisco County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in San Francisco County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in San Francisco County?
- How Does San Francisco County Compare With California Overall?
- San Francisco County Crime Statistics (2024)
- San Francisco County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in San Francisco County?
- Are San Francisco County Court Records Public?
- How to Search San Francisco County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in San Francisco County
- San Francisco County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links