Siskiyou County Superior Court – Yreka Division

Table of Contents

Siskiyou County Superior Court – Yreka Division Location & Contact Info

Address: 311 4th Street Yreka, CA 96097

Phone Numbers:

Civil, Family Law, Juvenile: 530-842-8238

Criminal, Traffic: 530-842-8189

Business Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Telephone Contact Hours:

All telephone contact hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
Administration Telephone Hours are open until 5 p.m.
Traffic Telephone Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Website | Directions

Overview of the Siskiyou County Superior Court

The Siskiyou County Superior Court is part of the California Superior Court system and is the county’s trial court of general jurisdiction. The court handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, and other legal matters for Siskiyou County. The Siskiyou Superior Court has two courthouse locations – one in Yreka and one in Weed. The Yreka courthouse serves as the main courthouse for the county.

Siskiyou County is located in northern California along the Oregon border. The county seat and largest city is Yreka. Siskiyou County has a population of around 44,000 residents. The Superior Court serves the entire county and resides in the county’s First Judicial District.

History of the Superior Court in Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County was formed in 1852 as one of California’s original 27 counties. The Superior Court dates back to this era as the county’s trial court. In the late 1800s, Siskiyou County had courthouses in different towns like Yreka, Fort Jones, and Etna. In 1891, Yreka became the permanent county seat.

Jurisdiction and Types of Cases

The Siskiyou County Superior Court has jurisdiction over all aspects of California law, both civil and criminal. This includes handling trials, hearings, arraignments, and other legal matters defined by state law.

Civil Cases

For civil cases, the Superior Court has unlimited jurisdiction in legal disputes over $25,000 as well as in matters brought against the state of California. The court handles cases involving:

Contract disputes
Personal injury and property damage

Malpractice
Civil rights violations
Fraud

Defamation
Probate and estate issues

Criminal Cases

In criminal law, the Superior Court handles cases including:

Felonies
Misdemeanor appeals from lower courts
Arraignments

Bail hearings
Trials
Sentencing

Family Law Cases

For family law, the Siskiyou Superior Court oversees:

Divorce
Child custody

Visitation rights
Child support
Spousal support

Domestic violence restraining orders

Probate Cases

The court’s probate jurisdiction includes:

Wills and trusts

Conservatorships
Guardianships
Elder abuse claims

Disputes over estates

Overall, the Siskiyou Superior Court hears thousands of cases each year across its civil, criminal, family, probate, and other divisions.

Courthouse and Court Locations in Siskiyou County

There are two main courthouse locations for the Siskiyou County Superior Court.

Yreka Courthouse

The main courthouse is located in Yreka at 311 Fourth Street. This courthouse houses the main superior court operations including administration and records. The Yreka facility contains multiple courtrooms plus hearing rooms and judge’s chambers.

Weed Courthouse

A secondary courthouse is located in Weed at 550 Main Street. Weed’s courthouse provides additional space for Superior Court services. It contains one courtroom used for hearings and proceedings.

Clerk’s Office Information

The Superior Court Clerk’s Office handles important functions such as managing records, accepting filings, administering oaths, and providing certified copies.

Hours of Operation

The Clerk’s Office in the Yreka courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4pm. The Weed location is open 8am to 5pm on weekdays. Extended hours may be offered on certain evenings and weekends.

Services Provided

Services offered by the Clerk’s Office include processing new case filings, answering questions about legal procedures, providing public access to records, and assisting with document preparation. The Clerk’s Office can also validate legal forms.

Contact Information for the Court

The main phone number for the Siskiyou Superior Court is (530) 842-0157. This reaches the Yreka courthouse. The Weed courthouse can be reached at (530) 938-5241. Contact information and office directories can be found on the court’s website at www.siskiyou.courts.ca.gov.

Notable Judges in Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County currently has four superior court judges presiding over cases. Current and recent notable judges include:

Judge William Davis – Appointed in 2019, presides over criminal and civil cases
Judge Karen Dixon – Appointed in 2008, oversees family law and dependency cases

Judge JoAnn Bicego – Retired in 2020 after 15 years on the bench hearing criminal trials
Judge Laura Masunaga – Retired in 2015 after 21 years as a superior court judge

These judges help shape Siskiyou County’s justice system through their rulings, decisions, and oversight of the courts.

Accessing Court Records and Transcripts

The public can access select Siskiyou Superior Court records and transcripts through the following methods:

Online Access

Limited civil, family law, and criminal court records can be searched online through the court’s website. Users can look up case details, upcoming hearings, and calendaring information. However, full court documents are not available remotely.

In-Person Access

To get complete case files, court users must visit the courthouse in person and request records through the Clerk’s Office. Individuals can review case documents and obtain copies for a per-page fee. Court reporters can also provide transcripts of proceedings.

Juror Information

Serving as a juror is an important civic duty. Here is key information on being a juror for the Siskiyou County Superior Court:

Qualifications and Exemptions

To qualify as a juror, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and a resident of Siskiyou County. Certain people may be exempt from jury duty including elected officials, military members, and those who have served recently.

Summons and Reporting Process

Potential jurors are randomly selected from government records. If summoned, you must report on your date and time unless excused. Instructions are provided in your jury summons on where to go and what to expect.

Representing Yourself in the Siskiyou Superior Court

Many people represent themselves in the Siskiyou County Superior Court for civil and family law cases. Here’s some guidance on navigating the court pro per (without an attorney):

Resources and Assistance

The court offers Family Law Facilitators and Self-Help Centers to help people with the process. Check the court’s website for resources on rules, forms, and FAQs. Also ask the Clerk’s Office staff for direction.

Filing Fees and Forms

There are filing fees for submitting documents, typically based on the type and number of forms. All state forms must be used rather than customized documents. Ask the Clerk’s Office for the total cost and the exact forms required for your case.

Practicing Law in the Siskiyou Superior Court

The Siskiyou County Superior Court follows rules and procedures for legal practitioners:

Requirements for Attorneys

To practice in the Superior Court, attorneys must be an active member of the California State Bar Association. They must also follow principles in the State Bar Act and California Rules of Professional Conduct.

Local Rules and Procedures

Attorneys should review the Local Rules for the Siskiyou County Superior Court, which outline protocols for e-filing, courtroom conduct, discovery, and motions. The court also publishes general orders and procedures on its website.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In summary, key things to know about the Siskiyou County Superior Court include:

It serves as the trial court for the county and handles major civil, criminal, family, and probate matters
The main courthouse is located in Yreka with a secondary location in Weed

The court has four Superior Court judges currently on the bench
Court records can be accessed online in a limited capacity or fully at the courthouse
The court provides resources for self-represented litigants but recommends legal counsel

Attorneys practicing before the court must follow rules and procedures

With two courthouse locations and experienced judges, the Siskiyou County Superior Court delivers justice services to residents across this northern California county. The court has a long history dating back to the 1800s but also utilizes modern technologies and resources. For legal matters in Siskiyou County, the Superior Court plays an indispensable role in upholding the rule of law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the main courthouse for Siskiyou County?

The main courthouse is located in Yreka, which is the county seat. The address is 311 4th Street, Yreka, CA 96097. This courthouse houses the main superior court operations.

What are the qualifications to serve on a jury in Siskiyou County?

To qualify as a juror in Siskiyou County, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and a resident of the county. You also cannot have served on a jury in the past 12 months.

How can I access public records for the Siskiyou County Superior Court?

You can access limited records like dockets, upcoming hearings, and calendars online through the court’s website. To obtain complete case files and documents, you need to visit the courthouse in person and make a request through the Clerk’s Office.

Does the Siskiyou County Superior Court have a Self-Help Center?

Yes, the Superior Court operates a Self-Help Center at the Yreka courthouse to assist people representing themselves without an attorney. The Center has resources on forms, procedures, and legal advice for civil and family law cases.

What are the local rules that govern cases in Siskiyou County?

Attorneys must follow the specific Local Rules of Court that outline protocols and procedures for the Siskiyou Superior Court. Local rules cover areas like e-filing, discovery, courtroom conduct, case management, and motions.