Placer County Superior Court: Your Complete Guide
If you’re a resident of Placer County, California, then it’s likely that at some point you may have to deal with the Placer County Superior Court. Whether it’s for a traffic violation, a civil lawsuit, or a criminal case, the Placer County Superior Court is where you will have to appear in front of a judge. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Placer County Superior Court, including its history, its functions, and its procedures.
History of the Placer County Superior Court
The Placer County Superior Court was established in 1852, shortly after California became a state. Originally, it was housed in a small wooden building, but over the years it has grown to include several court buildings in various locations throughout the county.
Placer County has four main courthouse locations spread across three cities to conveniently serve its residents:
- Roseville
- Rocklin
- Auburn
- Tahoe City
In addition to courthouses, Placer County has separate court service centers, self-help centers, and family law facilitator offices to provide specialized assistance to the public.
Hon. Howard G. Gibson Courthouse in Roseville
The main Placer County Superior Court location is the Hon. Howard G. Gibson Courthouse located in Roseville.
Overview
- Address: 10820 Justice Center Dr, Roseville, CA 95678
- Departments Housed: Civil, Criminal, Family Law, Probate, Juvenile Delinquency
- Courtrooms: 17 courtrooms
- Self-Help Center: Yes
Services Offered
As the largest Placer County courthouse, Hon. Gibson Courthouse provides the following services:
- Civil case processing – Small claims, civil harassment restraining orders, name changes
- Criminal case processing – Felonies, misdemeanors, traffic infractions
- Family law case processing – Divorce, child custody, spousal/child support
- Probate case processing – Estate administration, conservatorships, guardianships
- Juvenile delinquency – Cases involving minors charged with crimes
- Self-Help Center – Assists self-represented litigants with forms and procedures
How to Get There
The Hon. Gibson Courthouse is located just off Interstate 80 in northwest Roseville. Take the Eureka Road exit and head south, turning right on Justice Center Drive. Parking is available in the adjacent parking garage.
Roseville’s courthouse is accessible via Roseville Transit lines A, B, and P, with a stop directly in front of the courthouse entrance.
Jail Courtroom in Rocklin
In addition to the main courthouse, Placer County holds video arraignments and some hearings at the Jail Courtroom adjacent to the jail itself in Rocklin.
Overview
- Address: 11801 Go For Broke Rd, Rocklin, CA 95677
- Departments Housed: Criminal video arraignments and hearings
- Courtrooms: 1 video arraignment courtroom
Services Offered
The Jail Courtroom provides video conferencing services to conduct the following:
- Criminal arraignments – Initial appearance after booking into jail
- Criminal readiness conferences and hearings – Discuss case status and motions
- Criminal trials – Misdemeanor trials before a judge
By holding proceedings at the jail, it reduces the need to transport incarcerated individuals to court.
How to Get There
From Interstate 80 heading east, take Exit 9 for Horseshoe Bar Road. Turn left onto Lonetree Boulevard, left onto Midas Avenue, and left onto Go For Broke Road. The jail and courthouse entrance is on the right.
Historic Courthouse in Auburn
Placer County’s original Historic Courthouse, built in 1898, still operates today in downtown Auburn.
Overview
- Address: 101 Maple St, Auburn, CA 95603
- Departments Housed: Civil, Probate
- Courtrooms: 3 courtrooms
Services Offered
Auburn’s Historic Courthouse provides select civil and probate services:
- Civil disputes – Small claims cases and civil harassment restraining orders
- Probate – Conservatorships and guardianships
- Alternative dispute resolution – Voluntary mediation program
How to Get There
From Interstate 80, take the Highway 49 exit south toward Auburn. Turn left on Lincoln Way, followed by a left on Maple Street. The Historic Courthouse will be on your right.
Ample metered street parking is available near the courthouse, along with public parking lots within a few blocks. Auburn Transit has a bus stop one block away at Neal Road.
Juvenile Court in Auburn
The Placer County Juvenile Court handles all matters related to youth within Auburn’s courthouse district.
Overview
- Address: 11270 B Ave, Auburn, CA 95603
- Departments Housed: Juvenile Probation, Juvenile Delinquency
- Courtrooms: 5 courtrooms
Services Offered
Auburn’s Juvenile Court provides:
- Juvenile probation – Court-ordered supervision of minors
- Juvenile delinquency – Cases for minors who have committed crimes
- Truancy court – Cases involving chronic absenteeism
How to Get There
The Juvenile Court is located just northwest of Auburn’s Historic Courthouse. From Maple Street, turn right on Auburn Folsom Road followed by a left on B Avenue. There is a parking lot adjacent to the courthouse.
Auburn Transit’s Route 1 stops near the Juvenile Court at Auburn Folsom Road and D Street.
Tahoe Courthouse in Tahoe City
To serve Placer County’s northeastern region, a branch courthouse operates seasonally in Tahoe City.
Overview
- Address: 2501 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
- Departments Housed: Traffic, Small Claims, Civil Harassment, Name Changes
- Courtrooms: 1 courtroom
Services Offered
Tahoe City’s courthouse provides:
- Traffic citation cases – Contesting or paying Lake Tahoe area tickets
- Minor civil filings – Small claims, civil harassment restraining orders, name changes
Seasonal Schedule
The Tahoe Courthouse operates on a partial year schedule from May to September. Check the court’s website for current hours.
How to Get There
The Tahoe Courthouse is located on the lake side of Highway 28 in downtown Tahoe City. Street parking is available throughout town. TART provides bus service to Tahoe City.
Functions of the Placer County Superior Court
The Placer County Superior Court is responsible for hearing a wide range of cases, including civil cases, criminal cases, and traffic violations. In addition, it also has separate courts for small claims, family court, and probate court.
Civil Cases in the Placer County Superior Court
If you need to file a civil lawsuit in Placer County, you will need to do so in the Placer County Superior Court. Civil lawsuits are disputes between two parties that do not involve criminal charges. The court hears cases involving breach of contract, personal injury, property disputes, and more.
Criminal Cases in the Placer County Superior Court
If you have been charged with a crime in Placer County, your case will be heard in the Placer County Superior Court. Criminal cases are those in which the state accuses a person of committing a crime. The court hears cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, and the penalties for a conviction can include fines, probation, or jail time.
Traffic Violations in the Placer County Superior Court
If you receive a traffic violation in Placer County, you will need to appear in court. The court hears cases involving traffic violations such as speeding, running a red light, and driving under the influence. The penalties for a traffic violation can include fines, points on your driver’s license, and even the suspension of your license.
Small Claims Court in the Placer County Superior Court
If you have a dispute with someone that involves a relatively small amount of money (up to $10,000 in Placer County), you can file a case in small claims court. Small claims court is designed to be a simpler and faster process than other types of court cases.
Family Court in the Placer County Superior Court
The Placer County Superior Court has a separate family court that hears cases involving family law. This can include divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence.
Probate Court in the Placer County Superior Court
If someone passes away in Placer County, their estate will go through probate court. The probate court is responsible for overseeing the distribution of the deceased assets and property. If the deceased had a will, the court will use it to guide the distribution of assets. If there is no will, the court will follow state law to determine who inherits the deceased’s property.
Jury Duty in the Placer County Superior Court
If you are a resident of Placer County and you are registered to vote or you hold a driver’s license, you may be called for jury duty. Jury duty is a civic duty that requires citizens to serve on a jury for a specific court case.
Appearing in Court: What to Expect
If you have a case in the Placer County Superior Court, it’s important to know what to expect when you appear in court. You should dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be prepared to present your case. You may have to wait for your case to be called, so bring something to occupy your time, like a book or a crossword puzzle.
Courtroom Etiquette
When you’re in court, there are certain rules of etiquette you should follow. These include standing when the judge enters the courtroom, not interrupting others while they are speaking, and addressing the judge as “Your Honor.”
Placer County Superior Court Case Search
If you need to find information about a specific case in the Placer County Superior Court, you can use the court’s case search tool. This tool allows you to search for cases by case number, party name, or filing date. You can access the case search tool on the court’s website.
Department 40
Department 40 is the department in the Placer County Superior Court that handles probate cases. If you have a probate case in Placer County, your case will likely be assigned to Department 40.
Placer County Superior Court Address
The Placer County Superior Court is located at 10820 Justice Center Drive in Roseville, California. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Placer County Superior Court Local Rules
The Placer County Superior Court has local rules that govern court procedures and operations. These rules are designed to ensure that cases are handled fairly and efficiently. You can access the court’s local rules on its website.
Placer County Superior Court Tentative Rulings
If you have a case in the Placer County Superior Court, you can access the court’s tentative rulings online. These are rulings that the court has not yet finalized, but they can give you an idea of how the court is leaning in your case.
Placer County Superior Court Judges
The Placer County Superior Court has several judges who preside over cases. Each judge has their own courtroom and handles a variety of cases. You can find information about the judges on the court’s website.
Placer County Criminal Court Calendar
If you have a criminal case in the Placer County Superior Court, you can access the court’s criminal court calendar online. This will show you when your case is scheduled to be heard.
Placer County Superior Court Phone Number
If you need to contact the Placer County Superior Court, you can call the court’s main phone number at (916) 408-6000. You can also find contact information for specific departments on the court’s website.
Conclusion
The Placer County Superior Court is an important part of the legal system in Placer County. Whether you’re dealing with a traffic violation, a civil lawsuit, or a criminal case, it’s important to understand the functions and procedures of the court. By following the rules and procedures of the court, you can help ensure that your case is handled fairly and efficiently.
FAQs
How can I find out when my court date is?
You can find your court date by contacting the Placer County Superior Court or by checking the court’s website.
Can I represent myself in court?
Yes, you can represent yourself in court, but it’s usually a good idea to hire a lawyer if possible.
How long does it take to go through probate court?
The length of time it takes to go through probate court depends on the complexity of the estate and whether or not there are any disputes.
What should I do if I’m called for jury duty but I can’t serve?
If you’re called for jury duty but you can’t serve, you should contact the court and explain your situation.
Can I appeal a decision made by the Placer County Superior Court?
Yes, you can appeal a decision made by the Placer County Superior Court, but you will need to follow the appropriate procedures and file the appeal within a certain timeframe.
Where are traffic tickets handled in Placer County?
Traffic infractions can be handled at the main Gibson Courthouse in Roseville or the Tahoe Courthouse during its seasonal operation.
What is the closest courthouse to Lincoln?
Residents in the Lincoln area would access court services at the main Gibson Courthouse in Roseville.
Are there self-help services for people without attorneys?
Yes, Placer County has a Self-Help Center located at the Gibson Courthouse in Roseville which provides assistance completing legal forms and procedures for self-represented parties.
What should I do if I’m unsure which courthouse to use?
You can call the Placer County Superior Court main telephone number at (530) 889-7500 for assistance determining the appropriate courthouse location.
Where are jury trials held?
Felony cases are heard by juries at the main Gibson Courthouse in Roseville. The Historic Courthouse and Juvenile Court locations also host jury trials for civil and juvenile cases respectively.
