Printer Friendly VersionCriminal Court
The Criminal Operations Division processes misdemeanor and felony complaints. Examples of misdemeanor crimes include: petty theft, driving under the influence and drunk in public. The maximum punishment for a misdemeanor crime can be a year in a county jail or a fine not exceeding $1000.00. Examples of felony crimes include: robbery, possession of drugs, and murder. The maximum punishment for a felony crime can be imprisonment in state prison or county jail and/or to pay a fine.
| Justice Centers | Cities Served |
|
Central Justice Center Telephone Numbers Hours |
Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, and Villa Park |
|
Harbor Justice Center Newport Beach Telephone Numbers Hours |
Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Rancho Santa Margarita and Trabuco Canyon |
|
North Justice Center Telephone Numbers Hours |
Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, and Yorba Linda |
|
West Justice Center Telephone Numbers Hours |
Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Stanton, and Westminster |
Court Appearance
Court appearances are mandatory on criminal misdemeanor and felony cases. Extensions will not be granted. You must appear at the Justice Center on the date and time as directed on your release paper, or citation or arraignment letter. WARNING: Failure to appear may result in a warrant for your arrest.
On your court date, check the posted court calendars for your name and courtroom. If your name is on a calendar, go directly to the courtroom. If not, report to the Criminal Operations Division. Be prepared to provide court case number, identification and information on the arrest or alleged offense, including jail release paperwork, notice to appear or arraignment letter. Click here for maps/Justice Center locations
Arraignment Hearing
The arraignment is the first court appearance.
A Judicial Officer informs the defendant/attorney of the following:
- alleged charges
- constitutional rights
- Not Guilty- the defendant states that he/she did not commit the crime. The case will be set for a future hearing.
- Guilty- the defendant admits that he/she did commit the crime.
- No Contest- the defendant will not contest the charge. The plea has the same effect as a guilty plea except the conviction cannot be used against the defendant in a civil suit.
Failure to Appear
If the defendant does not appear in court as required, the court can order any, or all of the following actions:
- Forfeiture of bail or bond.
- Issuance of a warrant.
- Suspension of the defendant's drivers license.
- An additonal violation alleging a failure to appear. The punishment for this violation can be an additional jail term and/or a fine.
- Impose an additional $300.00 assessment pursuant to penal Code Section 1214.1 .
Warrant Information
To appear on a warrant, you must report to the Criminal Operations Division by 8:00 a.m. at the
Justice Center, which ordered the warrant. To post bail, contact the Justice Center which ordered
the warrant.
Click here for Justice Center Phone Numbers
Click here for Justice Center locations
Payment of Fines
Fines are due on the date set by the court. For your convenience, payments may be made by mail, in
person, or by phone.
The court accepts:
- Visa, Master Card, Discover Card. To make a credit card payment by phone call during business hours. Click for Justice Center phone numbers
- Debit cards with Visa or MasterCard logo are accepted at some Justice Centers.
- Checks or money orders. Checks and money orders should be payable to “Clerk of the Court.” To ensure your payment is credited to the case, include case number. All checks must be preprinted with makers name and address.
- Cash (DO NOT MAIL CASH)
- Mail payments to: Information Payment Center, P. O. Box 5400, Fullerton, CA 92838-0400
Click here for information on Penalty Assessments and Night Court Fees
Extensions
Extensions on court ordered fines, fees, programs or jail may be requested at the Criminal Operations Division on or before the due date, at 8:00 a.m.
A one-time extension on fines or community service may be granted by the Criminal Operations Division by phone during business hours if case or citation is not a mandatory appearance. Click here for Justice Center phone numbers
Bail Refunds
Refunds on cash bail are processed automatically upon court order. It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the date of the court order to receive your refund. The Orange County Auditor's office will mail the refund check payable to the depositor named on the bail receipt.
Blood Alcohol Results
Blood alcohol results may be obtained by contacting the District Attorney's Office or City Attorney's office prior to the arraignment. Click here for District Attorney's Office web page
Court - Appointed Counsel
At the arraignment, if the defendant wants to be represented by an attorney, but cannot afford one, a request may be made for a court appointed attorney. If the court determines the defendant meets the qualifications, an attorney will be appointed.
When the court appoints a public defender, or other counsel, a determination may be made of the defendant’s ability to pay fees for services. If the court determines the defendant has the ability to pay, an order will be made to pay all or part of the costs. Such an order has the same force and effect as a civil judgment. Click here for the Public Defender’s Office web page
Fees
- Copies - $0.50 per page.
- Certification - $15.00 per document.
- Research - $15.00 per search longer than 10 minutes.
- Penal Code 1203.4 Petition - $120.00.
- Penal Code 1203.4a Petition - $60.00.
Motions
Felony matters: Prior to defendant being held to answer as detailed in Rule 850 of the Local rules of Court. Click here for Local Rules of Court, Rule 850
Felony matters: After an Information or Indictment has been filed as detailed in Rule 800 of the Local Rules of Court. Click here for the Local Rules of Court, Rule 800.
Misdemeanor matters: Detailed in Rule 850 of the Local Rules of Court. Click here for Local Rules of Court, Rule 850.
Records Searches
Requests for record searches may be made in person in the Criminal Operations Division at any Justice Center.
To request a record search by mail, provide as much information including case number, full name(s), date of birth, location and date of violation, and any additional information available.
See above fee schedule for costs associated with records searches.
Click here for Justice Center mailing address and locations
Copies
Requests for copies may be made in person in the Criminal Operations Division at the Justice Center where the case is filed.
See above fee schedule for costs associated with copies.
Provide the following information (if unknown, there may be
additional fees for a record search):
- Defendant’s name
- Case number
- Date of birth (if known)
- Specific documents requested
- Location of violation
- Violation date or year
Include a self addressed, stamped envelope large enough to accommodate the request.
Click here for Justice Center mailing address and locations