Shasta County Superior Court – Justice Center
Overview of Shasta County Superior Court System
The Shasta County Superior Court is part of the California Superior Court system, the state’s trial court system. Superior Courts have jurisdiction over criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The Shasta County Superior Court serves the county of Shasta, located in Northern California. It operates out of two main facilities – the historic Courthouse in downtown Redding, and the newer Justice Center facility. The court system is presided over by the Shasta County Superior Court Executive Team, currently led by Presiding Judge Stephen H. Baker. There are currently 10 judges serving Shasta County.
Accessing the Justice Center
Justice Center Location and Directions
The Shasta County Superior Court Justice Center is located at 1355 West Street in Redding, California. It sits just west of Highway 5 in a civic area that also includes the local Sheriff’s headquarters and jail. Visitors can enter from West Street or from Parkview Avenue.
Parking Information
The Justice Center has a large dedicated parking lot surrounding the building. Parking is free and accommodates over 500 vehicles. There are designated spaces for jurors, accessible parking, judges, and other court staff. Overflow parking can utilize spots at the jail or sheriff’s office if needed.
Shasta County Superior Court Hours and Contact Information
The Shasta County Superior Court Justice Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, except on court holidays. Each courtroom and department may keep specific hours. More details can be found on the court’s website at www.shasta.courts.ca.gov or by calling 530-245-6900.
History and Background of Shasta County Superior Court
Shasta County was established in 1850 as one of the original 27 counties in California. The county seat was established in Redding in 1887. The historic Courthouse building in Redding was built in 1918, and housed all of the county’s judicial operations for decades. As the county grew, the need for more court facilities became apparent. Planning began in the 1990s for an additional court building, and in November 2007, the new $77 million Shasta County Superior Court Justice Center opened. This 175,000 square foot modern facility allowed expanding court operations and improved access to justice for Shasta County residents.
Facilities and Services at the Justice Center
Courtrooms and Hearing Rooms
The Justice Center contains 5 main courtrooms for jury trials across different case types, as well as additional rooms for hearings and proceedings. Courtroom 1 is the largest and can accommodate over 100 people. Courtroom 5 is designed specifically for juvenile dependency hearings with child-friendly spaces. The building also contains hearing rooms for smaller matters such as traffic cases and arraignments.
Self-Help Center and Law Library
The Justice Center has an innovative Self-Help Center to assist people representing themselves without attorneys. Visitors can get information on legal procedures, court forms, and community referrals. The law library at the Justice Center provides legal resources for attorneys, self-represented litigants, and the public. Materials include state and federal codes, practice guides, self-help books, and public access computers.
Jury Services
The Justice Center contains a huge jury assembly room that can accommodate over 300 people. This allows efficient jury selection for the many trials held at the courthouse. Prospective jurors can check in, receive orientation, and view informational videos. Jury services staff coordinate the jury process and provide assistance throughout trials.
Family Court Services
A key component at the Justice Center is Family Court Services, which provides child custody mediation and recommendations for divorcing parents.
Mediation
Mediators facilitate parents in developing their own custody agreements. The goal is to reach arrangements in the child’s best interests.
Child Custody Recommending Counseling
If mediation is unsuccessful, counselors will provide a custody recommendation report for the judge. These services aim to resolve family disputes outside the courtroom.
Juvenile Dependency Court
The Justice Center allows consolidated space for Juvenile Dependency Court handling child protection cases. Having this court at the Justice Center improves efficiency and provides better facilities for vulnerable children and families.
Court Security and Protocols
The Justice Center has heightened security protocols and screening at its entrances. Visitors should allow extra time and follow posted rules regarding banned items in court facilities. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office provides court security and bailiffs inside courtrooms.
Shasta County Superior Court – Online Court Resources
The Shasta County Superior Court serves the citizens of Shasta County, located in northern California. The court has numerous resources available on its website to assist the public in accessing court services and information. This article provides an overview of the online services offered through the court’s website, shastacourts.com.
Online Court Resources
To expand accessibility, many court services are available online through the court’s website. These include searching court records, accessing forms, making payments, and utilizing self-help resources. The online options provide increased convenience for court users.
Search Court Records
The Superior Court website allows users to search various court records and documents. This enables the public to look up information on specific cases and proceedings.
Case Information
The public can search the court’s civil, criminal, family, probate and juvenile case records through the online Case Information portal. Users can look up case numbers, party names, filing dates, case statuses and future hearing dates. This provides easy access to case details.
Calendars and Dockets
Upcoming court calendars, including civil, criminal, family, probate and juvenile matters, can be searched by date range, judge, attorney or party name via the online Court Calendar. Users can look up scheduled hearings and case information.
The court also posts searchable tentative rulings by judicial department on the website. This allows users to view rulings on motions and other matters before hearings take place.
Opinions and Rulings
Published opinions of the California Attorney General can be searched online back to 1985. This provides a history of legal guidance on various matters impacting the state.
Forms and Documents
Filing court documents and understanding the various forms required can often be a confusing process. The court’s website offers both local and statewide forms and instructions.
Local Court Forms
The site has a Forms page where users can view and download forms specific to Shasta County Superior Court. Filing requirements, fees, and instructions are included with each form.
Statewide Court Forms
In addition, the California Courts website provides access to all forms approved for use in Superior Courts across the state. Forms are searchable by name/number or can be browsed by case type.
Interactive Forms
For convenience, TurboCourt provides an interactive program that helps filers prepare proper forms based on responses to questions. Registration is required to use the service, which has a fee.
Online Payments
The court allows certain fine and fee payments to be made online for added convenience.
Traffic and Parking Tickets
Traffic citations issued in Shasta County can be paid on the website. The City of Redding also allows online payment of parking tickets issued within city limits. Users must have ticket information to utilize these services.
Self-Help and Legal Research
For those representing themselves in court proceedings, self-help resources provide information and assistance. The court website offers specific guidance pages as well as links to useful research sites.
Self-Help Centers
The Family Law Facilitator page outlines services available at the court’s Self-Help Center for those involved in family law issues like divorce, child support and domestic violence. Information on location, hours and consultations is provided.
The Probate section gives an overview of estate, conservatorship and guardianship matters. Those handling related cases can learn processes and terminology.
Case Information Pages
Specific pages related to Small Claims, Traffic & Infractions, and other case types provide details on legal procedures and requirements in Shasta County Superior Court. Visitors can learn how these cases work.
Local Rules
The court’s Local Rules outline procedures practitioners must follow in Shasta County courtrooms. Anyone involved in a court case can benefit from reviewing the rules.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
For those seeking alternatives to trial, the site provides information on mediation, arbitration and other dispute resolution options. Local programs are listed as resources.
Notable Cases Heard at the Justice Center
People v. Brian Ward – Murder Trial
One high profile case tried at the Justice Center was the 2016 trial of Brian Ward, accused of murdering his girlfriend Judi West. The month-long trial with extensive media coverage ended in Ward’s conviction, later upheld on appeal.
Conservatorship Case of Redding Rancheria
In this case, the court ruled on setting up a conservatorship for the Redding Rancheria tribe after alleged financial misconduct. It highlighted conflicts over tribal jurisdiction.
City of Anderson vs. Shasta County
This intergovernmental dispute over redistricting after the 2020 census drew considerable regional interest and ended in a mediated settlement.
The Future of the Justice Center
Planned Expansions
With a growing county population, the court plans further facility expansions at the Justice Center site. This includes more court departments, judges’ chambers, and case management space. Up to 4 additional courtrooms could be added.
Implementing New Technologies
The Justice Center will implement more modern technologies to improve court operations, including electronic filing, video capabilities for remote appearances, digital evidence presentation, and integrated case management systems.
Improving Access to Justice
A major goal is enhancing public access through online services, self-help resources, alternative dispute options, and targeted outreach. The Justice Center’s resources can help achieve more efficiency, transparency, and equal access to justice.
Conclusion
The Shasta County Superior Court website offers online access to court records, forms, payments and legal help. Key services include:
- Searching civil, criminal, family, probate and juvenile case files
- Looking up court calendars by case or party name
- Downloading local and statewide court forms
- Making payments for traffic and parking citations
- Utilizing self-help guides and information pages
Final Thoughts
The Shasta County Justice Center represents the court system’s important civic role. The public can have confidence in the professionalism, integrity, and fairness promoted within this courthouse. This iconic local building will anchor justice administration and rule of law for generations to come. All community members deserve equal rights under the law, realized through the work carried out at the Justice Center every day.
FAQs
What types of cases are heard at the Justice Center? The Justice Center hears civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate, small claims, and traffic cases for Shasta County. Criminal cases are heard at the historic Courthouse.
How can I get case records from the Justice Center? Court records can be searched and ordered through the website or requested in person at the clerk’s office. Many records can be accessed online through the county’s DomainWeb portal.
Are there metal detectors at the Justice Center entrance? Yes, all visitors must pass through a security screening station similar to an airport. Banned items will need to be returned to your vehicle.
Does the Justice Center offer remote or virtual appearances? Some hearings allow remote appearances through video conferencing or telephonic options. The court is working to expand these offerings with upgraded technology.
Can I get married at the Justice Center? Civil marriage ceremonies are performed at the Historic Courthouse, not the Justice Center. You can obtain a marriage license at either location.
Q: What types of cases does Shasta County Superior Court handle?
A: The court handles civil, probate, family, juvenile, criminal, and mental health cases. Small claims matters and traffic citations are also processed through the court.
Q: How can I look up a court case file online?
A: You can search for civil, criminal, family, probate and juvenile cases using the Case Information search on the court’s website.
Q: Where can I find Shasta County Superior Court forms to file?
A: The court provides access to local forms specific to Shasta County as well as all statewide CA court forms on its website.
Q: Can I make court fine or fee payments online?
A: Yes, you can pay traffic citations and Redding parking tickets through online services on the court’s website.
Q: Is there a self-help center for assistance with family law issues?
A: Yes, the court has a Family Law Facilitator Self-Help Center to assist with matters like divorce, child support, etc.
