Santa Cruz Superior Court

Introduction:

Santa Cruz Superior Court is a city courthouse in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. It consists of two judicial divisions. The courthouse was completely established in 1896 but demolished in 1989. The courthouse was again established in 1991. The court’s mission is to protect the rights of people through the enforcement of the law giving equal justice access by quality service to the community through judicial officers and court staff. They treat every person with respect and provide justice. It has jurisdiction over criminal, small claims, probation, juvenile, appeal, finance, civil, restraining order cases, family, traffic, and vehicle matters. They provide online services like online payment, forms, fines, online case lookup, and many more, so it is optional to go to court for these services. This court also provides self-help for a different division. Every person must follow local rules and wear a mask in this court. Proper dressing is required during the case hearing. Two superior courts located in this county are:

• SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – MAIN COURTHOUSE
• SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – WATSONVILLE COURT

How do you do case lookup?

Santa Cruz County Court Case lookup can be done online using the court portal https://portal.santacruzcourt.org/portal. Registration on the portal for accessing case searches is not mandatory. The court maintains all the records online, in files, or in a database. The Search can be done in the following ways:

• Search by Case Number, citation, record, or traffic number
• Search by First, middle, and last name
• Search by initial and full Party name

After entering the data, the case information will come. The portal will only show those records information that is publicly available. Some records are unavailable; if the information does not come, the case records will be removed or confidential and cannot be displayed online. You have to go to the court or give a record request for these documents, and then the court will decide whether to provide that information. The fee for each document per page is $0.50, which is mandatory. All the guidelines related to different case searches and how to register on the portal search are available online on the website.

How can I make a payment?

Santa Cruz County Court payment can be made in the following ways:

· In-Person:

A person can pay for tickets and fines by visiting the court during regular court hours and paying in cash, checks, or with a card at the court payment office. Take your ticket and citation number with you when you come for payment. 2% surcharges will be applied if you make payment with a credit card. 

· Online: 

Santa Cruz court’s online payments can be made using the Superior Court Online Portal https://portal.santacruzcourt.org/portal. Enter any search type, like a case number, name, etc., and enter criteria. Your case information with the amount of the fine will be displayed. Select the payment option and pay the amount online.

· Mail: 

A Person can send a certified check or money order to the court’s mailing address; 701 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States. Cash or personal checks are not acceptable in the mail; only certified checks or money orders are accepted. Remember to write your citation, name, case number, and account number when you send the payment, and mail the amount in a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want a receipt.

You can also request a payment plan, time extension, and reduction in the amount of the fine by using https://mycitations.courts.ca.gov/home.

How can I appear remotely?

The zoom application can allow Santa Cruz County Superior Court’s remote appearance. All division remote appearance requirement systems are different. If your case qualifies for the remote appearance, then fill out the form and request the court. The court will email you your schedule and the zoom link. Make sure your internet connection is strong. Mute your microphone and speak only when the judge calls your name. Test your microphone and video before joining the session. It is recommended to avoid running unnecessary applications when you are in a meeting. Rules, forms, and procedures for each case division are available remotely. Please read them before your schedule. 

The family court handles which type of cases?

Santa Cruz County Family Court handles matters that are related to the family. The issues include:

• Divorce or legal separation 
• Child custody and visitation issues
• Identifying the child’s legal parents
• Child, Spousal, and Family support issues
• Domestic Violence
• Elder abuse issue
• Adoption issues
• Minor emancipations

The family court also provides information on family law, like birth certificates, co-parenting class, ex parte communication, orders, parenting classes, and supervised visitation. They also offer family court services for the Recommending Counseling of Child Custody and parents. Giving legal advice is not allowed; you must hire a private attorney for any advice related to the case. 

How can small claims cases be filled?

Santa Cruz County small claims courts handle all the claims matters where the limit is up to $10,000. All these matters are held in the Watsonville courthouse. The disputes can be resolved quickly and less expensively. The claim can be filed in court as well as from home. If you want to file the case from home, register on the portal, and when you file, they ask you severe questions. After answering them, your cases will be filled. Contact the Advisor Program for small claims before you start the case. Call or leave a return message at 831-786-7370. This court also provides mediation facilities, where the matter can be resolved through cooperative problem-solving.

The traffic division handles which type of cases?

Santa Cruz County Court Traffic Division is handled by the Watsonville courthouse. The cases related to traffic, vehicle, and speeding ticket violations. The violation includes speeding, accident, breach of vehicle code, infraction, minor felony cases, violation of traffic signal, driving without a license, and suspended license. If you received a traffic ticket or citation, and mandatory appearance is written on it, then you must appear on your schedule; otherwise, pay the fine, enter a plea or sign up for the traffic school. You can sign up for traffic school by paying the total acceptable amount with a $52 Traffic School Fee. After completing the course, your citation will be removed from the records. Visit https://www.santacruz.courts.ca.gov/general-information/financial-hardship if you cannot afford the total fine. If you need help, contact the traffic divisions by visiting or calling during regular hours. 

What is the working of the appellate division?

Santa Cruz County Court appellate division handles the matters of appeal. In this division, the trial court decision was heard again. The oral arguments were listened to every month, one Thursday afternoon at the Watsonville Courthouse. You can file for an appeal using e-filing or by visiting in person at the court.

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