Butte County Superior Court – North Butte County Courthouse

Table of Contents

Overview of Butte County Superior Court North Butte County Courthouse

The Butte County Superior Court North Butte County Courthouse is located in Oroville, California and serves as the main courthouse for Butte County. This courthouse has a long and rich history dating back to the founding of Butte County in 1850. Today, it houses civil, criminal, family, probate, and other case types for the county. The courthouse building has undergone renovations and expansions over the years to improve access and services. Key services offered include self-help resources, mediation, and online case management tools. The Butte County Superior Court has adjudicated many high-profile criminal trials, civil lawsuits, and other important cases that have impacted the county and state. The courthouse continues to adapt to meet the needs of Butte County residents while delivering justice.

History and Background of Butte County Superior Court North Butte County Courthouse

Founding of Butte County and Early Courthouses

Butte County was established in 1850 as one of California’s original 27 counties. The county seat was originally located in Jackson but was quickly moved to various towns including Ophir, Bidwell Bar, and finally Oroville in 1856. The first county courthouse building was constructed in Oroville in 1858. However, this original wood frame building burnt down in a fire in 1898. Temporary quarters for county government were used until a new courthouse was completed in 1903.

Construction of Current Courthouse Building

The current Butte County Courthouse building was constructed in Oroville between 1935 and 1937. Funding came from the federal Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. The building was designed in the Art Deco architectural style by architect G.C. Sellon. The courthouse was formally dedicated in 1937 and has been serving Butte County continuously since then.

Renovations and Expansions Over the Years

While the basic 1937 courthouse structure remains, there have been periodic renovations and additions to update and expand the building. In the 1950s and 1960s additional courtrooms, judge’s chambers, and jury rooms were added. More recently, a large courtroom annex building was completed in 2002, providing modern new court spaces. Accessibility, security, and technology upgrades have also been ongoing to meet changing needs. The courthouse continues operating as Butte County’s primary judicial center.

Court Organization and Jurisdiction of Butte County Superior Court North Butte County Courthouse

Court Organization

The Butte County Superior Court is organized into civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and appeals divisions to handle different case types. There are currently nine superior court judges and two commissioners who preside over cases. The court utilizes mediators, interpreters, court reporters, clerks, and other staff to serve the public and process cases. As the superior court of California’s Butte County, this judicial system is part of the larger California state court system.

Jurisdiction and Case Types

This court holds jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases, civil disputes over $25,000, family law such as divorce and child custody, probate of wills and estates, juvenile cases, and appeals from lower courts in Butte County. The courthouse allows Butte County residents to access local judicial services and resolve legal disputes across this broad range of legal areas without needing to travel outside the county.

Judges and Staff

There are currently nine superior court judges who preside over cases and make rulings at the Butte County Courthouse. There are also two court commissioners who handle specific case matters like settlements and temporary orders. Along with judges, there are mediators, court reporters, clerks, interpreters, probation officers, and other staff who serve a vital role in the administration of justice. The courthouse could not operate without these legal professionals and support personnel.

Courthouse Location and Layout of Butte County Superior Court North Butte County Courthouse

Address and Location

address

North Butte County Courthouse
1775 Concord Avenue, Chico, CA 95928

location

The Butte County Superior Court North Butte County Courthouse is located at 1 Court Street in Oroville, California. This places it in downtown Oroville, the county seat and largest city in Butte County in the northern Central Valley. The courthouse occupies an entire city block near other county government offices.

North Butte County Courthouse contact info

Phone number (530) 532-7002

The hours of operation listed for the Butte County Superior Court, North Butte County Courthouse are:

Monday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Architectural Style and Design

The courthouse was constructed from 1935 to 1937 in the Art Deco architectural style popular at the time. It is a symmetrical three-story building made of reinforced concrete and covered in stucco. Distinctive Art Deco features include vertical piers, ornamental motifs, and a decorative parapet over the front entrance. A three-story annex blends with the original building’s facade.

Interior Spaces and Layout

Inside the courthouse are courtrooms, judges’ chambers, jury rooms, clerk offices, records rooms, self-help centers, and other functional spaces. Courtrooms feature original details like decorative plaster ceilings. Private corridors connect internal spaces for security and efficiency. The layout allows court users to access services and attend proceedings.

Court Services and Resources at Butte County Superior Court North Butte County Courthouse

Self-Help Center and Mediation

The courthouse houses a self-help center to assist unrepresented litigants with forms and procedures. There are also mediation services to help parties voluntarily settle disputes out of court. These resources make legal help more accessible to all.

Jury Services

A jury assembly room and lounge are provided for residents reporting for jury duty. Staff assist jurors complete questionnaires and selections during jury selection.

Records and Filings

Court clerk windows and records rooms allow community members to file documents, request copies, and research records for their cases. Online services are also expanding remote access.

Technology and Online Services

Upgraded technology inside courtrooms allows remote appearances and digital evidence presentation. The court website https://www.butte.courts.ca.gov/ offers online access to records, forms, and case management for increased convenience.

Notable Cases and Events at Butte County Superior Court North Butte County Courthouse

High-Profile Criminal Trials

This courthouse has adjudicated capital murder trials like those of serial killer Dorothea Puente. Other major felony cases here have involved public corruption, gang violence, and major drug busts.

Important Civil Cases

The courthouse has handled pivotal civil lawsuits regarding environmental issues, employment disputes, personal injury, and insurance claims that impact Butte County residents and businesses.

Changes to Court Operations

Over its long history, the courthouse has expanded access for disabled individuals, upgraded security, transitioned recordkeeping to digital systems, and implemented video conferencing and remote appearances using new technologies to improve operations.

Courthouse Operations and Services

Today, the North Butte County Courthouse continues serving the citizens of Oroville and surrounding communities.

Types of cases heard

The courthouse hears a full range of civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases for Northern Butte County. There are also small claims hearings and alternative dispute resolution services.

Phone: 530-532-7009 (Civil)
Phone: 530-532-7014 (Compliance)
Phone: 530-532-7008 (Family Law)
Phone: 530-532-7010 (Juvenile Dependency)
Phone: 530-532-7017 (Probate)
Phone: 530-532-7005 (Traffic)

Courtrooms and judges

There are 5 courtrooms and 2 hearing rooms presided over by 7 Superior Court judges. The courthouse also houses the Superior Court administration offices.

Clerk’s office services

The courthouse clerk’s office provides access to court records, processes filings, handles payments of fees and fines, issues licenses, and provides court support services. The jury assembly room is also located here.

Notable Trials and Cases

Many high-profile cases have been heard at the North Butte County Courthouse through the decades.

High profile criminal cases

Most serious felony criminal cases in the region have been tried here, ranging from murder to fraud. Famous defendants include serial killer Gerald Gallego.

Important civil lawsuits

Impactful civil cases relate to railroad operations, mining, utilities, and Native American tribal land rights. These lawsuits shaped local laws and policies.

Conclusion

For over 80 years, the Butte County Superior Court North Butte County Courthouse has served as a monument to justice where local legal disputes are resolved. This Art Deco building has a rich history dating back to Butte County’s origins. Despite renovations and expansions, the courthouse maintains its stately original architecture. Within its walls, dedicated judges and staff keep the people’s business moving forward utilizing updated best practices. This courthouse continues to adapt to meet the needs of all Butte County residents in a fair, efficient manner while respecting its important role in the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was the current courthouse building constructed?

The present Beaux Arts granite courthouse was built in 1898.

How many courtrooms are in the courthouse?

There are 5 courtrooms and 2 hearing rooms.

What types of cases are heard at this courthouse?

The courthouse hears civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate, and traffic cases for Northern Butte County.

Is there a dress code for visiting the courthouse?

Yes, wear appropriate modest attire. No shorts or tank tops. Turn off cell phones.

Where can I park near the courthouse?

Metered street parking is available around the courthouse. There is also a parking lot behind the building accessible from Lincoln St.

What architectural style is the courthouse building?

The courthouse was constructed in the Art Deco architectural style popular in the 1930s with decorative features like vertical piers, ornamental motifs, and parapets.

What types of cases are handled at the courthouse?

This courthouse handles a wide range of civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and appeals cases as the superior court for Butte County, CA.

When was the current courthouse building completed?

The courthouse building was built between 1935-1937 and has been serving the county continuously since its formal dedication in 1937.

What services are offered at the courthouse?

Key services include self-help legal resources, mediation, jury management, records filing and requests, and innovative technology inside courtrooms and for online access.

How many judges preside over cases at the courthouse?

There are currently nine superior court judges and two commissioners who adjudicate cases and make rulings at the Butte County Courthouse.