CRIMINAL: GENERAL INFORMATION
Criminal at a Glance
A criminal case happens when the government files a case in court to punish someone (the defendant) for committing a crime. If the defendant is found guilty of a crime, he or she may face jail or prison. There are three types of criminal cases:
An infraction is a minor violation. Many traffic violations are infractions. The punishment for infractions is usually a fine, and if the defendant pays the fine, there is no jail time. Infractions are processed by the Traffic Division.
- Petty theft
- Vandalism
- Driving with a suspended license
- Drunk driving
- Robbery
- Murder
- Rape
- Possession of illegal drugs for sale
- How Criminal Court Works
- Obtaining an Attorney
- Appearing in Court
- Paying Fines and Bail Refunds
- Cleaning Up Your Record
- Appealing a Decision
- Victims of Crimes
This section provides summary information and educational materials as a public service, but they may not apply to your particular circumstances. This website cannot take the place of advice from a lawyer.
Criminal Copy and Record Search Requests
Find information on how to request records and copies of documents.
Assistance by Phone, in Person or Online
CALL (877) 872-2122. Services are offered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Automated services and information: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Customer service representatives are also available Monday thru Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm to answer your questions regarding general case information. Customer service representatives cannot give legal advice.
Court staff is available from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday-Friday to assist you and respond to general questions at any of the 5 locations below.
Self-Help Center staff is available from Monday-Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm and Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm to provide procedural guidance at the 5 locations listed below.
The court provides a variety of online services. You can access forms, make payments, or view your case online.
Criminal Courthouse Locations and Hours
Criminal Division Hours:
Monday thru Friday:
8:00am – 4:00pm
Click here to read about court appearances and advancing your court date.
Drop Box Information:
Drop boxes or door slots are located at each of the courthouses below, with 24/7 access. Payments and properly completed documents placed in drop boxes before 5:00pm on an open court day will be considered received on the same date.
| Central Justice Center
700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 Criminal Division - 1st Floor Collections Office - 1st Floor Self-Help Center - Main Lobby |
Harbor Justice Center- Newport Beach Facility
4601 Jamboree Rd. Newport Beach, Ca 92660-2595 Criminal Division - 1st Floor Collections Office - 1st Floor |
Making Payments or Corresponding by Mail: Superior Court P.O Box 6040 Newport Beach, CA 92658-6040 |
|
North Justice Center
1275 N. Berkeley Ave. Fullerton, Ca 92832-1258 Criminal Division - Main Entrance of Upper Level Collections Office - Lower Level (Inside Traffic Division Lobby, Windows 7-10) Self-Help Center – Upper Level Entrance, Room 360 |
West Justice Center
8141 13th St. Westminster, Ca 92683-4593 Criminal Division - Outside Windows Collections Office - 1st Floor Self-Help Center - Next to Main Lobby |
Criminal Division Hours: Mondays thru Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm |
Children’s Waiting Room
Children may be brought to the court and may stay in the "Children’s Chambers" while their caregivers are conducting business with the court. Children’s Chambers is a safe drop-in center for children that lets children be children instead of spending long sessions listening to adult interactions that could be painful or frightening.
You can read more about which courts offer a Children’s Chambers and the guidelines.
Accommodating a Disability
If you have a disability and need help, fill out a Request for Accommodations By Persons With Disabilities (MC-410)
form and file it with the court as soon as possible, but at least five days before our hearing/trial date.
Criminal Forms and Law
Criminal forms are available online and at the court. Criminal and Self-Help Center staff can answer general questions if you need help completing forms. See above for locations and hours.
LOCAL FORMS (Forms developed and approved by the Superior Court of Orange County):State Forms from the California Courts Website
TIP: Use the dropdown box to choose "Criminal"
- California Law - use this link to read the laws you were charged with violating (example Vehicle Code section 23152-DUI).
- California Rules of Court, Title 4
- Superior Court of Orange County Local Rules of Court
Criminal Bail
The amount of bail, money or other security deposited with the court to insure that you will appear, is set by a schedule in each county:
- Find a listing of bail (fines) for some misdemeanor violations.
- Find a listing of bail (fines) for misdemeanor and felony violations.
Computing bail can be complicated. The judge can adjust the bail depending on the circumstances. Use these schedules for reference only.
Reporting a Crime
In the event of an emergency, dial 911. You will be connected with law enforcement personnel who will assist you with the emergency.
For non-emergencies, the most effective way to report a crime is to contact your local police agency.
Victim Restitution
If you are a victim of a crime, you have a right to be repaid for losses that resulted from the crime. Please click on the following link to learn more about “Restitution Basics for Victims of Crimes by Adults”. You will learn about criminal court procedures to receive restitution from offenders. The information contained in the booklet will help you understand
- How to exercise your right to restitution
- What to expect as the criminal case moves forward
- How to collect the money you are owed
Additional Resources
- What Should I Know If I Am Arrested?
- Advisement of Rights-Misdemeanors (English)
- Advisement of Rights-Misdemeanors (Spanish)
- Advisement of Rights-Misdemeanors (Vietnamese)
- Orange County Public Defender
- Orange County District Attorney
- California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General
- Orange County Jail