Sonoma County Superior Court

Introduction:

The superior court of Sonoma is a city courthouse in Sonoma County, California. The Northern District of California appeals to the United States of Appeals ninth circuit. The courthouse was established in 1891; then, further advancement was made in the building, and in 1996 the municipal and superior courts merged into one superior court with a justice hall. A new courthouse construction project was started in 2021, and it is expected that the new courthouse with modern technology will be completed in 2023. The court’s mission is to give court services in an efficient, courteous, timely and knowledgeable way so that the purpose of serving the community with fair and justice behavior will be served. It has jurisdiction over criminal, small claims, probation, juvenile, appeal, civil, family, traffic, and vehicle matters. They provide services like online payment, forms, online case search, e-filing, 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. Four superior courts located in this county are:

• SONOMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – CIVIL AND FAMILY LAW COURTHOUSE
• SONOMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – EMPIRE COLLEGE ANNEX
• SONOMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – HALL OF JUSTICE
• SONOMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER

History Of The Sonoma County Superior Court

The Sonoma County Superior Court Has A Long And Storied History, Dating Back To The County’s Founding In 1850. At That Time, The Court System Was Known As The Court Of Sessions, And It Was Responsible For Handling Criminal Cases. Over The Years, The Court System Evolved And Expanded To Include Civil Cases, Family Law Matters, And More.

Jurisdiction Of The Sonoma County Superior Court

The Sonoma County Superior Court Has Jurisdiction Over A Wide Variety Of Legal Matters, Including:

• Criminal Cases: The Court Hears All Felony And Misdemeanor Cases That Occur Within The County, Including Drug Offenses, DUIs, And More.
• Civil Cases: The Court Handles Civil Lawsuits, Including Disputes Between Individuals, Businesses, And Other Entities.
• Family Law Cases: The Court Hears Cases Related To Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, And More.
• Small Claims Court: The Court Handles Disputes Involving Small Amounts Of Money, Typically Less Than $10,000.
• Probate Court: The Court Handles Matters Related To The Administration Of Estates And Trusts.

How to search for case information?

Sonoma County Superior Court Case Search can be done online using the court case management search portal https://cmsportal.sonomacourt.org/iportal.You must be registered on the portal if you want access to case search, case hearing matters using the portal offered smart searching. 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 Party or business name
• Search by filling date
• Search by Case type

After entering the data, the case information, parties, event and hearing date will all 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 an achieved record request for these documents, and then the court will decide whether to provide that information to you. 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?

Sonoma County Superior Court payment for traffic tickets and fines 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 when you are coming for payment. 2.5% surcharges will be applied if you make payment with a credit card. 

 Online

Sonoma court’s online payments can be made using the Superior Court Online Portal https://www.ncourt.com/x-press/x-onlinepayments.aspx?juris=7af39c34-e82b-4da7-9815-5e62e9cbe048. Enter the Ticket/Citation, case, and driving license number. 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; 3055 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States. Cash partial payment 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.

Drop Box

A person can also make a payment in an envelope and put it in the drop box at the court’s front door. Write your name, address and citation number on the envelope.

Contact the court if you want a payment plan, a fine conversion into some community service or any other general payment option.

Sonoma County Superior Court Case Search

If You Need To Find Information On A Specific Case In Sonoma County Superior Court, You Can Use The Court’s Online Case Search Tool. This Tool Allows You To Search For Cases By Case Number, Party Name, Or Filing Date. You Can Also Access Case Information, Including Case Summaries And Case Documents, Through The Court’s Online Portal.

Sonoma County Court Portal

The Sonoma County Court Portal Is An Online Platform That Allows You To Access Court Information And Documents, Pay Fines And Fees, And Schedule Court Dates. To Access The Portal, You’ll Need To Create An Account And Log In With Your Username And Password.

Sonoma County Superior Court Local Rules

The Sonoma County Superior Court Has Local Rules That Govern Court Proceedings In The County. These Rules Cover Everything From Filing Requirements To Court Decorum. It’s Important To Review The Local Rules Before Appearing In Court To Ensure That You’re Following The Proper Procedures.

Sonoma County Superior Court Tentative Rulings

Tentative Rulings Are Preliminary Rulings Made By Judges Before A Hearing Or Trial. These Rulings Are Not Final And Can Be Challenged During The Hearing Or Trial. You Can Access Tentative Rulings For Sonoma County Superior Court Cases Through The Court’s Online Case Search Tool.

Sonoma County Court Records

If You Need To Access Court Records For A Case In Sonoma County, You Can Request Them Through The Court’s Records Department. You’ll Need To Provide Information On The Case, Including The Case Number And The Parties Involved, And Pay A Fee For The Records.

See Also Anderson County General Sessions Court

Sonoma County Criminal Court

The Sonoma County Criminal Court Handles Criminal Cases In The County. If You’ve Been Charged With A Crime In Sonoma County, Your Case Will Likely Be Heard In This Court. It’s Important To Have An Attorney Represent You In Criminal Court To Ensure That Your Rights Are Protected.

Sonoma County Court Docket

The Sonoma County Court Docket Is A Schedule Of Court Proceedings For The County. You Can Access The Docket Online Through The Court’s Website Or Through The Court’s Online Portal. It’s Important To Review The Docket Before Appearing In Court To Ensure That You Know When And Where You Need To Be.

The traffic court handles which type of cases?

Sonoma County Traffic Court deals with all types of traffic, vehicle and speeding violations. The violation includes:

• Speeding
• Accident
• Drive without a license or suspended license
• Violation of traffic rules
• Using a phone while driving

There are many options to clear your citation; if you need to clear it, you can request an extension online or call 707-521-6680 before the due date. If the due date is passed, additional fines, penalties, punishment and suspension of the license will be added to your previous charges. When the violation is an infraction, the traffic court officer orders your appearance, and the schedule is written on the ticket.

How to clear the citation?

Sonoma County Superior Court – Hall of Justice deals with all the matters related to traffic and vehicle matters. This court sent all the speeding tickets. If your ticket does not have a mandatory appearance in court, then you can clear your citation in the following ways:

• Pay the full bail amount before the due date. After paying this, your cases will be closed, and your driver’s license records conviction will be reported.
• Sign the Correction Certificate with the required fees and send it via mail to the court.
• Sign up for Traffic Violator School if your offense is eligible for the course. After you complete the course, your citation will be removed.
• Request for a trial of court. Read the “to Contest for Citation” information if you need any information.

The family court handles which type of cases?

Sonoma County Family Court deals with all types of issues related to the family. The issues include:

• Divorce, legal separation or nullity of marriage
• Child custody and visitation issues
• Child, Spousal and Family support issues
• Domestic Violence
• Elder abuse issue
• Adoption issues

You can access family law records and online calendars from the civil and family law courthouse and the portal. Family law facilitators’ facilities are also available.

How many juvenile cases are handled by this court?

SONOMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER handles all the matters related to juvenile involvement. Three types of juvenile cases are handled that includes:

Juvenile Dependency Court

It takes cases in which a juvenile committed a law violation.

Juvenile Delinquency Court

It takes cases in which the youth or child is neglected or treated miserly or poorly.

Juvenile Traffic Court

It takes cases in which a juvenile is involved in any traffic, vehicle and speeding violation matters.

How can I take a virtual case hearing?

Sonoma County Superior Court virtual hearing can be done using the zoom application. Fill out the virtual hearing form and send it to the court; the court will give you a schedule with a meeting link if your case is eligible for a virtual hearing. Join the session 10 minutes before the schedule. Make sure your internet connection is strong. Mute your microphone and speak only when the judge calls your name.

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