The Four Adult State Courts You May Appear Before in San Diego County

At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, most of our clients come to us having never dealt with the legal system before. They may be facing charges for the first time, or they may have had a previous encounter with the law but are now facing more serious consequences. Regardless of their background, we believe that everyone deserves a strong defense and the opportunity to have their rights protected.

We believe that knowledge is power, no matter what type of legal case you’re facing. That’s why, in this guide, we’ll break down how to prepare for your court date in the four main courthouses in San Diego County that handle adult cases: the Central Courthouse, East County Regional Center, North County Regional Center, and South County Regional Center.

Central Courthouse: The Hub of San Diego’s Court System

The Central Courthouse, located at 1100 Union Street in downtown San Diego, is the largest and busiest of the county’s courthouses. This facility, which opened in 2017, houses several key divisions and services:

Criminal Division (Felonies, Misdemeanors, SAAU)

The Criminal Division handles a wide range of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. If you’ve been charged with a crime in San Diego, there’s a good chance your case will be heard at the Central Courthouse.

In addition to traditional criminal courtrooms, the Central Courthouse also houses the Substance Abuse Assessment Unit (SAAU). The SAAU is a specialized program that assesses defendants with substance abuse issues and makes recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation as part of the criminal justice process.

Family Division (Family Court Services, Family Law Facilitator)

The Family Division deals with cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, and other family law matters. The Central Courthouse also houses Family Court Services, which provides mediation for parents involved in custody disputes, and the Family Law Facilitator’s office, which offers free legal assistance to self-represented litigants in family law cases. If you or a loved one has been served with a domestic violence restraining order, your restraining order case will likely take place in one of the family law courtrooms.

Appeals Division (Unlimited Civil and Felony)

The Appeals Division handles appeals of civil cases and felony criminal cases. If you’re seeking to appeal a decision made in one of these types of cases, your appeal will be heard at the Central Courthouse.

Getting to the Central Courthouse is relatively easy, as it’s located near several major freeways and public transit options. Paid parking is available in nearby lots and garages, and metered street parking is also an option.

East County Regional Center: Serving El Cajon and Surrounding Areas

The East County Regional Center, located at 250 East Main Street in El Cajon, serves the eastern portion of San Diego County. This courthouse handles a variety of case types:

Criminal Cases

The East County Regional Center hears both misdemeanor and felony criminal cases for offenses that occurred in the East County region.

Family Law Cases

Family law cases, including divorces, child custody disputes, and domestic violence restraining orders, are heard at the East County Regional Center.

Civil Harassment & Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders

If you need to file a civil harassment or elder/dependent adult abuse restraining order, you can do so at the East County Regional Center.

The East County Regional Center is accessible via Interstate 8, and there is a public parking structure available in front of the courthouse.

North County Regional Center: A Full-Service Branch Court in Vista

The North County Regional Center, located at 325 South Melrose Drive in Vista, is a full-service branch court that handles a wide variety of case types for the northern portion of San Diego County:

Criminal, Civil, and Family Law Cases

Like the other branches throughout the county, the North County Regional Center hears criminal, civil, and family law cases for North County residents. This includes misdemeanors, felonies, small claims cases, landlord-tenant disputes, divorces, and child custody matters.

Appeals, Adoptions, and Traffic Cases

In addition to the main case types, the North County Regional Center also handles appeals of misdemeanor cases, adoptions, and traffic violations.

The North County Regional Center is accessible via Interstate 5 or Highway 78, and there is a public parking lot located in front of the courthouse.

South County Regional Center: Serving Chula Vista and South San Diego

The South County Regional Center, located at 500 Third Avenue in Chula Vista, serves the southern portion of San Diego County. This courthouse handles the following types of cases:

Criminal, Traffic, and Minor Offense Cases

The South County Regional Center hears criminal cases, traffic violations, and minor offenses for the South County region.

Family Law Cases

Family law cases, including divorces, child custody disputes, and domestic violence restraining orders, are heard at the South County Regional Center.

Civil Harassment & Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders

If you need to file a civil harassment or elder/dependent adult abuse restraining order in South County, you can do so at the South County Regional Center. The courthouse also has a Temporary Restraining Order Clinic that offers assistance with completing the necessary forms.

The South County Regional Center is accessible via Interstate 5 or Interstate 805, and there is public parking available around the courthouse.

Tips for Navigating the San Diego Court System

Regardless of which courthouse you need to visit, there are some general tips to keep in mind:

1. Arrive early: Allow plenty of time to park, go through security, and find your courtroom.
2. Dress appropriately: While you don’t need to wear a suit, dress in a neat, clean, and conservative manner to show respect for the court.
3. Bring necessary documents: Make sure you have all the paperwork and evidence related to your case.
4. Seek legal assistance if needed: If you’re unsure about how to proceed with your case, consider seeking the advice of a qualified attorney.

While each courthouse has helpful resources for understanding basic legal concepts and procedures, they are no substitute for the guidance and representation of an experienced attorney.

When it comes to navigating the criminal justice system and advocating for your rights, nothing beats having a skilled defense team by your side that is intimately familiar with the local courts and knows how to build a strong defense.

Facing Criminal Charges in San Diego County? Contact David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The penalties can be life altering and long lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your freedom and future. Too often, we see clients who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse lawyer. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your freedom. Protect your future. Know your rights.

The contents of this article and blog are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.