Frequently Asked Questions
What is an exhibit?
Exhibits are documents or objects produced by a party in an action for identification and may be admitted into evidence during a trial or hearing. Once the trial or hearing has been concluded, the Court may order the exhibits to be released to the District Attorney's Office, the law enforcement agency submitting the complaint, counsel for the parties, or parties appearing in propria persona. Parties may stipulate to the return of exhibits pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure Section 1952, Penal Code Sections 1417 through Penal Code 1420. If you wish to view any of these codes, they are available through the California Law web site. Follow the directions for finding the code(s) you are interested in.
How do I obtain permission to bring a prohibited item that will be used as an exhibit into a courthouse?
In order to bring an item into the San Bernardino Justice Center (247 West Third Street, San Bernardino) that would otherwise be prohibited under the Court’s Weapons Screening procedures, a party to a case must obtain prior written consent from the assigned judge or trial judge using the Consent to Bring Prohibited Items into the Courthouse as Exhibits form. The Consent to Bring Prohibited Items into the Courthouse as Exhibits form requirements shall not apply to on-duty law enforcement officers bringing weapons as evidence into the Court as part of official Court business.
May I view the exhibits?
The public can view marked exhibits without a court order, except for the following:
- Weapons or other sensitive items.
- All juvenile records.
- Sealed subpoenaed records.
- Anything ordered sealed/confidential by a judge.
- Photographs that are protected by PC 1417.8
Exhibits can be viewed at the location where the trial took place during normal business hours. You must fill out a Request to View Exhibits form. Please contact the Exhibit Coordinator to schedule an appointment to view the exhibits.
How can I get a copy of my exhibits or subpoenaed records?
The public can obtain copies of marked exhibits without a court order, except for the following:
- Sealed subpoenaed records.
- Anything ordered sealed/confidential by a judge.
- Photographs
Copies of exhibits may be purchased at the location where the trial took place during normal business hours. The cost for copies is $0.50 per page. Most copy jobs can be completed while you wait; larger quantities will be available the next day. Please contact the Exhibit Coordinator to schedule an appointment to view the exhibits.
How can I pick up my exhibits?
Exhibits may be released to the party to whom the exhibits belong or the party’s attorney upon the conclusion of the case. once the appeal period has expired. The party requesting that exhibits be returned must prepare and submit a Declaration and Order for Release of Exhibits form. If you will be requesting exhibits, please specify which exhibits are to be returned. Upon the Court approving the Declaration and Order for Release of Exhibits a member of the staff will contact you to arrange a pick-up time. The Court requires individuals to present photo identification (driver’s license, California identification card, or valid photo identification).
How do I get a copy of a Court proceeding for a Small Claims, Unlawful Detainer, or Traffic case?
According to Title Eight of the California Rules of Court (Rules 8.917, 8.868, 8.835), Landlord/Tenant, Misdemeanor and Infraction proceedings are not required to be reported by an official Court reporter. In order to provide an accurate recording of proceedings for the purposes of appeal, all Court Districts with the exception of Joshua Tree use ‘For The Record’ to produce audio recordings of court proceedings. A copy of the audio recording may be purchased either at the Traffic or Small Claims window in the Clerk’s Office at the location where the hearing took place for the cost of $22. The electronic recording is not an official recording and may not be filed/attached to pleadings or submitted as the official record.