Divisions

The Civil Division assists parties with cases involving: recovery of money or property in non-contract civil disputes or contract enforcement; civil rights, and, landlord tenant actions. Petitions to Change Name and various writs are also handled by the Civil Division.

Collections provides direct assistance in order to facilitate payment of delinquent fines and fees. Fines and fees may be related to Criminal, Traffic, Family Law or Jury matters.

The Criminal Division has jurisdiction over felonies, misdemeanors, infractions.

The Family Law Division hears matters involving family-related issues and domestic relations.

Juvenile Delinquency cases are located at the Family Court Services window located at the 421 I Street entrance of the courthouse. Juvenile Delinquency cases, as defined under Welfare and Institutions, involve any persons under the age of 18 (minors) who are accused of violations of any law of the state or of the United States, or minors who are habitually disobedient or truant.

Probate and Conservatorship matters address a person’s finances upon death or the care of an adult person that is unable to care for themselves or their finances.  Guardianship is a court proceeding in which a judge gives someone who is not the parent custody of a child, or the power to manage the child's property (called "estate"), or both.

The Small Claims Division handles cases that do not exceed $10,000 and are resolved quickly and inexpensively with relatively simple and informal rules.

The Traffic Division has jurisdiction over Vehicle Code violations and local ordinance violations.