The California Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling denying a request for access to a juvenile dependency case file in a case involving allegations of sexual abuse against a foster parent. The court's decision affects the rights of individuals seeking access to sensitive juvenile records, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors' privacy in legal proceedings.

The case, filed under docket number E087495, centers on William Ziemann, Jr., who is facing criminal charges of sexual abuse involving two minors. Ziemann's attorney, Jeffrey J. Douglas, filed a petition in October 2025 to access the juvenile dependency records of a minor identified as I.W. The minor was previously involved in dependency proceedings with the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS). The court ruled that Ziemann had not shown sufficient cause to access these records, which are typically kept confidential.

Background

William Ziemann, Jr. is currently facing criminal charges in San Bernardino County related to the alleged sexual abuse of two minors, A.W. and M.T. According to the petition filed by Ziemann's attorney, he sought access to the juvenile court records of I.W., who had been a foster child in Ziemann's home. The attorney argued that the records would support Ziemann's defense by providing evidence of third-party culpability and potential bias from the accusing witnesses.

The petition indicated that I.W. had been involved in dependency proceedings that started when he was six years old and ended in 2023 when he was adopted. Ziemann's attorney claimed that the records would reveal important information about the allegations made against Ziemann, including a history of abuse involving the minors. However, the petition did not provide specific details about the nature of the allegations or the relevance of I.W.'s records to Ziemann's criminal case.

The Ruling

The California Court of Appeal, in a decision filed on November 2, 2026, affirmed the juvenile court's denial of Ziemann's petition for access to I.W.'s dependency case file. The court found that Ziemann had not demonstrated good cause for the release of the records. The ruling emphasized that access to juvenile records is generally restricted to protect the privacy of minors involved in dependency proceedings.

The court ruled that “Access is not in the child’s best interests” and that “Petitioner has not shown by a preponderance of the evidence the records are necessary and have substantial relevance to the legitimate need of the petitioner.”

The court highlighted that the juvenile court had previously denied a similar request for records from a different attorney representing Ziemann. The court noted that the petition lacked sufficient information to establish the relevance of I.W.'s records to Ziemann's criminal case, which involved allegations of sexual abuse against A.W. and M.T.

Impact

This ruling reinforces the principle that juvenile court records are confidential and should only be accessed under specific circumstances. The court's decision underscores the importance of protecting minors' privacy rights, particularly when the records may contain sensitive information that could impact their well-being.

The ruling may have broader implications for individuals seeking access to juvenile records in criminal proceedings. It establishes that the burden of proof lies with the petitioner to demonstrate a legitimate need for access, and that the best interests of the child must be prioritized in such decisions. This case serves as a reminder that confidentiality in juvenile proceedings is a significant legal principle that courts are likely to uphold.

What's Next

As of now, there is no indication that Ziemann plans to appeal the ruling further. The court's decision stands, and the juvenile dependency records of I.W. will remain confidential. Details regarding any related cases or future legal actions were not available in the court filing.