FAQs

A complete coroner report includes the scene investigation prepared by the deputy, the autopsy report prepared by the pathologist, and the toxicology report prepared by the laboratory. Once the case is completed, it is ready to be released, typically about 4-6 weeks after death. Coroner Reports are public information. One free copy of the coroner report is provided to the immediate next-of-kin. In certain cases reports may be delayed due to pending legal matters.

Some investigations can be completed in a matter of a few days. Others may take several weeks to complete, because of detailed laboratory testing which cannot be rushed if an accurate cause of death is to be determined. In those instances, a "pending" death certificate is issued so as not to interfere with funeral arrangements, then the death certificate amended when a cause of death is determined. The funeral home or mortuary of your choice can assist you with getting certified copies of death certificates.

Typically, a decedent is ready for release to a funeral home within 48 hours. The funeral home or mortuary of your choice will coordinate the release on your behalf.

The Calaveras County Coroner's Office does not charge a fee to the family for local residents for removal of their family member. However, there is a $100.00 charge for out of County residents. In homicide cases this fee will be waived.

No. The Coroner's Office does not have the capability to allow for viewing of the body. Family should make arrangements with a funeral home or mortuary for viewing at their facility after the Coroner has been notified.

The Deputy Coroner may need to take personal property for safekeeping until it can be released to the legal next-of-kin or representative. Medication and other evidence may be taken that will be examined during the investigation. Probate laws are clear as to who has a right to a person's estate. Absent a will or durable power of attorney, the line of succession is spouse, adult children, parent, and then sibling. Evidence other than medication will be returned at the conclusion of the investigation. The Calaveras County Coroner's Office contact legal next of kin to arrange for the return as personal property.

The Calaveras County Coroner's Office is the agency responsible for investigating reportable deaths in Calaveras County. The office performs medico-legal investigations for legal and public health purposes under the authority of state law. By far, the largest percentages of deaths in the county are natural deaths. Just because the Coroner investigates a death does not mean there is a belief that a crime has been committed. It is the Coroner's legal responsibility to identify the deceased, determine cause and manner of death, notify the next-of-kin or legal representative, and to protect the estate of the deceased until it can be turned over to the legal heirs.

He/she will be taken to the Coroner's contract mortuary which is currently Angels Memorial Chapel or San Andreas Memorial Chapel.

There are many reasons why a loved one may be taken by the Coroner's Office, including but not limited to; a private physician cannot sign the death certificate, the deceased did not have a physician or it has been more than twenty days since the last visit, the death was possibly due to an accident, suicide, homicide or an unknown cause or the person died alone.

It is the legal duty of the Coroner to determine the cause of death. Autopsies are not always necessary. The Coroner's generally makes the determination after a review of all supporting records whether an autopsy is needed to establish the cause of death. It is generally not something that can be determined by the Deputy Coroner at the scene.