San Luis Obispo County Superior Court – Paso Robles Branch
address
901 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone
Phone: 805-237-3079 (Civil, Small Claims)
Phone: 805-237-3080 (Criminal)
Phone: 805-226-3251 (Family Court Services)
Fax: 805-237-3066 (Family Court Services)
Phone Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30 am-4:00 pm
Counter Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30 am-12:00 pm
Overview of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court – Paso Robles Branch
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court – Paso Robles Branch is located in northern San Luis Obispo County in the city of Paso Robles. Established in 1998, this branch courthouse serves the civil and criminal case needs of SLO County residents living in the north county region.
History and establishment of the court branch
The Paso Robles branch was constructed and opened in 1998 to expand court services to the growing communities of northern San Luis Obispo County. With the nearest courthouse located over 30 miles away in the city of San Luis Obispo, this new branch provided much-needed local access to court proceedings and records.
Physical location and layout of the courthouse
The Paso Robles branch courthouse is located at 1000 Spring Street in downtown Paso Robles. The building has four above-ground floors plus a basement level, with courtrooms and hearing rooms equipped with modern technology for remote appearances and evidence presentation. Public services are handled on the first and second floors.
Types of cases heard at this branch
This branch of the San Luis Obispo Superior Court handles a variety of case types across both civil and criminal matters. Cases may include small claims lawsuits, unlawful detainers, personal injury claims, misdemeanors, traffic infractions, felony preliminaries, and restraining orders. Juvenile dependency and delinquency cases are also heard at this branch.
Services and resources offered at the branch
To assist courthouse visitors and parties to actions, the Paso Robles branch provides a range of helpful services and resources.
Self-help and mediation services
The courthouse offers self-help assistance for individuals without an attorney. Workshops and information are available for common case types like divorce, child custody, guardianship, and landlord-tenant disputes. Mediation services are also available to help parties voluntarily settle disagreements out of court.
Online services and remote access options
Many services allow online access for convenience and social distancing. The public can search court records, view calendars and case details, make payments, submit forms, schedule appointments, and request records remotely. Some hearings also permit remote appearances by videoconference or telephone.
Court records and document retrieval
Court case files, documents, recordings, and certified copies of records are available from the courthouse clerk’s office by online request, mail, or in-person visit. Records can also be searched on public access terminals in the clerk’s office.
Key personnel and departments at the branch
Courtroom proceedings and courthouse operations involve coordination between various personnel and departments.
Judges and court staff
Superior court judges are appointed by the Governor and local attorneys are sometimes appointed as temporary judges to assist. Bailiffs, court reporters, clerks, court attorneys, interpreters, mediators also support case adjudication and management.
Jury services
Jurors for trials at this branch are summoned from the North County juror pool. The jury assembly room and lounge are located on the third floor. Support staff handle the juror selection process, orientation, attendance, and compensation.
County clerk’s office functions
The county clerk’s office at the branch provides services like legal document processing, fictitious business name publications, marriage licenses, passport application acceptance, and political candidate filings.
Operations and Services
The Paso Robles branch courthouse maintains public service hours from 8:30am to 4pm on weekdays, except holidays. Individuals can file legal documents in person at the clerks’ counters or use the court’s electronic filing and fax filing options. Processing fees vary based on document type, from $20-50 for standard civil case paperwork.
In addition to dispute hearings and trials, this courthouse location offers alternative dispute resolution through voluntary mediation. Those with family law issues can also consult the Family Law Facilitator’s Office for free educational resources and guidance on cases.
Other services available within the building include access to the law library, notary public, court interpreters, disabled assistance, and a Grand Jury room. The local San Luis Obispo County Bar Association keeps an attorney referral service kiosk by the front entrance.
Courthouse safety, security, and accessibility
Various policies ensure visitor, staff, and judicial safety along with rights, access, and support for people with disabilities.
Security screening and prohibited items
All visitors to the courthouse must pass through a security screening checkpoint upon entering. Weapons, chemicals, sharp objects, tools, and other items prohibited by law are not allowed. Exceptions apply to on-duty law enforcement.
ADA accommodations
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations provided include wheelchair ramps, elevators, accessible bathrooms, assisted listening devices, sign language interpreters, a TTY public phone, and ADA parking spaces nearby. Service animals are also permitted per ADA guidelines.
Parking and transportation access
Metered street parking is available around the courthouse. Unmetered city parking lots are within a few blocks, some with short time limits. Regional and local buses also stop near the courthouse with bike racks available.
Role of the branch within the county’s court system
This branch plays an integral role in serving north county residents and supporting the comprehensive county court system functions.
Relationship to the main courthouse
The Paso Robles branch operates under the same Presiding Judge and Court Executive Officer as the main courthouse, following countywide rules and procedures. Cases may be transferred between branch and main as appropriate given case specifics, capacity, and resource allocation.
Importance for northern residents
By handling all case types for the northern half of San Luis Obispo County, this branch improves access for over 45,000 north county residents. Travel times are reduced allowing more participation in person rather than remotely.
San Luis Obispo County Superior Court – Paso Robles Branch Online Court Resources
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court – Paso Robles Branch serves the northern part of San Luis Obispo County. This article outlines the online resources available through the court’s website, as well as other local, statewide, and national online resources applicable to the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court system and courts in California generally.
Search Court Case Records
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court website does not provide online access to view or search civil court case records. The site offers guidelines and procedures for obtaining court case records directly from the court clerk’s office.
Dockets, Calendars, and Case Information
Litigants and attorneys can view the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court’s daily case calendars by current day schedule, case type, or court department. The court also publishes a separate daily probate calendar.
Tentative civil and probate rulings for the current week can be viewed online by judge’s name. Checking tentative rulings allows litigants to know how a judge is likely to rule on a motion or other matter prior to the hearing.
Published Opinions and Orders
The public can search legal opinions issued by the California Attorney General’s office dating back to 1985 on a range of civil, constitutional, criminal, education, elections, environmental, and other legal issues. These opinions guide government entities on complying with state law.
Forms and Related Information
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court website offers an extensive collection of downloadable forms for use in its civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate, and traffic divisions. Litigants can also file requests for records from California courts and judicial agencies using an online form available through the state courts website.
Additional resources related to forms and court processes include options for filing complaints against attorneys, interactive document assembly services that help litigants prepare forms based on responses to online questionnaires, and links to locate court interpreters.
Online Fine Payments
Pay City Parking Tickets
The cities of San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach, and Pismo Beach allow payment of parking tickets through their respective websites. Grover Beach and Pismo Beach also permit filing paperwork online to contest a parking ticket. Users must pay service fees for online fine payment.
Pay County Court Fines
Traffic, criminal, and family court fines and fees owed to the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court can also be paid online using a credit card. As with city parking tickets, a service fee applies.
Self Help, Legal Research, General Information
Court and County Resources
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court website provides extensive self-help information arranged by case type, including civil harassment restraining orders, name changes, small claims, traffic cases, family law, guardianship, criminal matters, and courtroom conduct. The site also posts the court’s local rules of procedure.
The county’s law library catalog can be searched online, along with research guides and links to statewide legal materials. Litigants can find services like mediators, arbitrators, and advisory clinics through the county bar association and District Attorney’s Office. Family court services are explained as well.
Statewide Resources
California Courts, the judicial branch’s website, furnishes self-help information, legal research guidance, and glossaries on court processes in areas such as small claims, families and children, probate and estates, criminal law, and appeals. Extensive details about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods like mediation and arbitration are included to help litigants resolve disputes out of court.
Other California government websites supply statutes, court rules, information on traffic laws, driver’s licenses, child support services, foreclosure assistance, disability rights resources, and more. The State Bar of California provides search tools to find lawyers and online options for pursuing complaints about attorneys.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Litigants can read about alternatives to traditional court litigation — like mediation, arbitration, settlement conferences, and neutral case evaluation — that facilitate resolving disputes through compromise. Contact details for local ADR programs are listed as well.
Legal Aid, Free Services, Lawyer Referral
San Luis Obispo County residents can obtain referrals to local attorneys based on legal issue and geographic location through the county bar association’s online lawyer referral service. Seniors in the county can also access free legal help with public benefits, housing, and elder abuse problems from Senior Legal Services.
Extensive statewide resources provide help locating free and low-cost legal assistance from legal aid organizations, court-based self-help centers, law school clinics, private attorneys willing to offer limited services for lower fees, and lawyer referral panels. Options for pursuing complaints about attorneys are included.
Notable cases handled at this branch
While protecting privacy given confidential elements, the branch has adjudicated many impactful and visible cases over the years across civil, criminal, family, and juvenile law matters.
Recent case examples
Recent notable case examples include settlements won regarding the Chimney Fire, Rider v. Gibson wrongful death suit, Hillside Brewing nuisance allegations, and People v. Holland vehicular manslaughter prosecution. High profile family law disputes have also been handled at the branch given north county residences involved.
Contact information and hours of operation
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court – Paso Robles Branch is located at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. Phone: (805) 237-3887. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, excluding court holidays. More info at www.slo.courts.ca.gov.
Conclusion
For over 20 years, the Paso Robles branch has delivered equal access to court services for northern county residents. With the support of professional staff and judges, the branch reliably facilitates case proceedings, records requests, and dispute resolution in a secure, ADA-compliant facility. As the area continues rapid growth, this court branch’s role in local justice processes remains essential.
FAQs
What case types can be filed directly at the Paso Robles branch?
All major civil and criminal case categories can originate their filing at the Paso Robles branch as appropriate based on plaintiff/defendant residences and circumstances related to the north county locales.
How can I get certified copies of court records from this branch?
Court records can be requested from the branch clerk’s office by phone, mail, electronic portal, or in person whether files originate from the branch or main courthouse. Valid photo ID is required.
Can traffic tickets from north county cities be handled at this branch?
Yes, traffic infractions issued by police departments and CHP throughout northern San Luis Obispo County are processed via the Paso Robles branch. In-person or remote appearances can be scheduled.
What methods exist for remote appearances at hearings?
Remote appearances can occur via CourtCall telephonic appearance, Zoom video conference, or similar platforms. Check with your attorney or the court clerk to setup remote access.
Is there a north county bar association for lawyers practicing at this branch?
Yes, the SLO County Bar Association’s North County chapter focuses on attorney training, networking events, and services specific to practicing law locally at the Paso Robles branch and surrounding region.
What are the options for finding an affordable attorney in San Luis Obispo County? The San Luis Obispo County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service makes referrals to local attorneys who provide low-cost initial consultations. Legal aid providers like California Rural Legal Assistance serve eligible clients for free in certain civil case types. Limited scope representation allows parties to hire attorneys for unbundled document preparation and other services at reduced rates instead of full representation.
How can I research legal information related to my San Luis Obispo County Superior Court case? The San Luis Obispo County Law Library website offers some case resources, access to research materials, and referrals for additional help. The California Courts and LawHelp California websites also have extensive legal information for various case types.
What steps should I take to file court papers for my San Luis Obispo County Superior Court case?
Review the step-by-step guides on the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Self-Help website related to your specific case type. Download any required Judicial Council or local court forms. Ask questions and seek document review at the court Self-Help Center or public law library if necessary. Consider hiring an attorney on a limited scope basis to prepare documents for filing and make an court appearances.
How can parties resolve legal disputes without going through the court process? Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options like mediation allow parties to settle disagreements with the facilitation of a neutral third party. Parties can locate qualified mediators through the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court civil mediation panel or Bar Association lawyer referral. Binding arbitration and neutral case evaluation also provide alternatives to traditional litigation.
What should I do if I need language assistance for my Superior Court case?
The statewide Judicial Council Court Interpreters Program allows you to search for available interpreters by language and location. Contact the Interpreter Coordinator at your local Superior Court branch early in your case to request assistance. For help finding a medical interpreter, use the Judicial Council online directory.
add comment about the Court and Experience with San Luis Obispo County Superior Court
