Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Table of Contents

Overview of Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers serves the city of Modesto and surrounding communities in Stanislaus County, California. Located in downtown Modesto, this courthouse handles a high volume of criminal, civil, family law, probate, and other legal matters. With 17 courtrooms and judges, along with court staff and security personnel, the Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers strives to provide fair and equal access to justice. Read on to learn more about the location, services, cases, staff, security, and general information for this vital county courthouse.

Location and History of Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Address and Location of Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers is centrally located in downtown Modesto at 1100 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354. The courthouse is situated just a few blocks from the Modesto Centre Plaza convention center and Amtrak station. It is also close to Highway 99 for accessibility.

Contact Information and Hours for Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Phone Number, Address, and Website for Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Phone: (209) 530-3100

Address: 1100 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Website: www.stanct.org

Business Hours and Closures for Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The courthouse is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, excluding holidays. Many departments have specific hours for filings, payments, and appointments. Check the website for details.

History and Background of Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The Stanislaus County Superior Court system was established when California became a state in 1850. The current 17-story City Towers building was constructed in 1967 to consolidate county services in one location. In 1989, an additional tower was built next to City Towers to provide more space for the Superior Court. Renovations and upgrades have taken place over the years to improve access and efficiency.

Services and Departments of Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Civil Division at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The Civil Division oversees legal disputes between individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies. These include matters involving contracts, personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and more.

Criminal Division at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The Criminal Division handles proceedings for felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses. These matters range from DUI and theft, to domestic violence, assault, drug charges, and homicide cases.

Family Law Division at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The Family Law Division presides over legal issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody and support, guardianships, adoptions, and name changes. Mediation services are also available.

Probate Division at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The Probate Division manages affairs related to wills, trusts, conservatorships, and estates of deceased individuals. It also handles mental health concerns.

Jury Services at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The court manages jury selection and operations. Residents can fulfill jury duty at this courthouse across multiple departments.

Alternative Dispute Resolution at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Mediation and arbitration services aim to resolve disputes outside of court through settlement agreements. Reduced fees apply in certain civil cases.

Courtrooms and Staff at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Courtrooms at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

There are 17 courtrooms utilized for proceedings, most located on floors 11-17. Courtrooms vary in size and layout to accommodate different caseloads and needs.

Judges at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Over 20 Superior Court judges preside over the variety of legal matters that come through the courthouse. Judges are elected officials serving six-year terms.

Court Staff at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

In addition to judges, court staff includes clerks, court reporters, interpreters, mediators, administrators, analysts, and assistants who help proceedings run efficiently.

Popular Cases Heard at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Criminal Cases at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Common criminal cases involve DUIs, drug possession, theft, assault, domestic violence, and homicide. Police officers usually bring cases to be tried before a judge or jury.

Civil Disputes at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Typical civil lawsuits relate to personal injury, medical malpractice, breach of contract, wrongful termination, and disputes between businesses.

Family Law Cases at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Family law matters range from divorce and child custody, to spousal and child support. Paternity, adoption, and guardianship issues are also frequent.

Probate Cases at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Probate proceedings determine the validity of wills and trusts, oversee estate administration, and appoint conservators for those unable to manage their affairs.

Security and Accessibility at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Security Screening at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

Visitors must pass through a security checkpoint upon entering. Bags, items and persons are screened for prohibited objects. Extra security is onsite to maintain safety.

Accessibility Accommodations at Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers

The ADA Coordinator ensures accessible facilities and services for disabled persons. Accommodations include interpreters, assistive listening devices, and mobility assistance.

stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers Services and online tools

When dealing with legal matters in Stanislaus County, it’s crucial to have access to comprehensive resources. The Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers provides a range of services and online tools to support your needs.

Court Case Records

Stanislaus County Superior Court Case Records: Access and search for case records online, making it convenient to find the information you require.

High Profile Cases

Stanislaus County Superior Court High Profile Case Information: Stay updated on high-profile cases in progress in the court, gaining insights into significant legal matters.

Court Calendars

Stanislaus County Superior Court Calendars: Easily view the court calendar by date, and search for specific dates by name or the first letter of a name.

Civil Tentative Rulings

Stanislaus County Superior Court Civil Tentative Rulings: Review recent civil tentative rulings, categorized by department, judge, case number, and case caption.

Family Law Tentative Rulings

Stanislaus County Superior Court Family Law Tentative Rulings: Gain access to recent family law tentative rulings, with detailed information on the department, judge, case number, and case caption.

Probate Notes

Stanislaus County Superior Court Probate Notes: Understand probate cases better by checking probate notes, which include recommendations to the judge and any unresolved issues.

Attorney General Legal Opinions

Search California Attorney General Legal Opinions: Access legal opinions issued by the California Attorney General dating back to 1985, providing valuable legal insights.

Court Forms

Stanislaus County Superior Court Forms: Find and download civil, family law, and probate forms to facilitate your legal proceedings.

AOC Records Request

AOC Records Request Form and Information: Learn how to request records maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Judicial Council, or the appellate courts, streamlining your access to essential documentation.

Attorney Complaints

Attorney Complaint Forms and Information: If you have concerns about an attorney, the State Bar of California offers resources for filing complaints and obtaining the necessary assistance.

California State Court Forms

California State Superior Court Forms: Search for and download California court forms by name, form number, type of case, or recently updated forms.

Interactive Online Forms

Interactive Online Forms: Answer questions about your case, and TurboCourt will prepare relevant family law, small claims, evictions, domestic violence, guardianship, and child support forms for California Superior Courts.

Fine Payments

Online Fine Payments: Pay or dispute City of Turlock parking tickets or Stanislaus County Superior Court traffic tickets online, saving you time and effort.

Self-Help and Legal Research

Stanislaus County Law Library: Discover the services offered by the Stanislaus County Law Library, which includes information, available materials, and online research resources.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Stanislaus County Superior Court Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Explore ADR programs that include mediation, arbitration, and neutral evaluation to help resolve disputes without going to court.

Specialized Support

In addition to the general court services, Stanislaus County Superior Court provides specialized support in various legal areas:

Child Custody Mediation: Gain insights into child custody mediation services in Stanislaus County Superior Court.
Family Law Facilitator: Avail assistance from the Family Law Facilitator, who offers free help to self-represented parties in family law cases, including location, hours, and online resources.
Juvenile Case Information: Get information about juvenile cases in Stanislaus County Superior Court, covering delinquency, dependency, traffic matters, and links to related court resources.

Probate Information: Learn about probate cases, estate administration, conservatorships, guardianships of minors, and access additional resources, including forms and informational pamphlets.
Court Rules: Access the local rules of Stanislaus County Superior Court to navigate legal proceedings effectively.
Self-Help Center: Utilize the Stanislaus County Superior Court Self-Help Center, which offers free help and legal assistance to individuals representing themselves in court.

Small Claims Information: Explore details about small claims cases in Stanislaus County Superior Court, including monetary limits, mediation, forms, and access to the Small Claims Advisor who assists in preparing cases and filing forms.
Traffic Case Information: Get information about traffic cases in Stanislaus County Superior Court, including citations, court appearances, fine payments, traffic school, and relevant forms.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

ADR processes, including mediation, arbitration, neutral evaluation, and settlement conferences, can help parties resolve disputes without going to court. Stanislaus County Superior Court offers ADR programs, ensuring a more efficient resolution of legal matters.

Legal Resources Beyond the Court

The Stanislaus County Superior Court goes the extra mile to provide you with a wealth of legal resources beyond its premises.

California Court Rules: Access statewide California Rules of Court by case type and local Superior Court rules by county.
California Courts – Legal Information and Legal Resources: Get information on various legal aspects, from court procedures to divorce, abuse, housing, and more.

California Courts – Small Claims Information: Discover essential information about small claims cases, including research, trial preparation, and appeals.
California Courts – Wills, Estates, and Probate Information: Learn about wills, estates, and probate cases, including asset distribution, will validity, and estate administration.
California Law Libraries: Find a list of California county law libraries with contact information, hours, and links to local law library websites.

California Legal Document Assistance: Access information about California Legal Document Assistants who help self-represented parties prepare and file legal documents for a fee.
California Statutes: Search for California codes by name and section or browse codes by table of contents.
Child Support Services: The California Department of Child Support Services offers information and services related to child support, including online case information and child support calculations.

Foreclosure Prevention Resources: Discover resources for preventing foreclosure in California, including housing counseling agencies, state agencies, and legal aid providers.
LawHelp California Legal Information and Legal Resources: Find legal information and resources for various legal issues, including housing, family matters, employment, and more.
Legal Research Information: The Council of California County Law Librarians offers an online class in how to conduct legal research.

Legal Research Links: Access a categorized list of links to state and national legal resources, including general research, laws, regulations, courts, forms, and rules.
Online Law Library Services: Several California law libraries provide staff for the AskNow law librarian service, offering online answers to legal reference questions and referrals for further research.
Search California Traffic Safety Institute Traffic Schools: The California Traffic Safety Institute provides lists of classroom and home-study traffic schools, searchable by county.

Traffic and Motor Vehicle Information: The California Department of Motor Vehicles offers information about traffic laws, driver licenses, and vehicle registration.

Legal Aid and Attorney Resources

Accessing legal aid and attorney resources is vital when navigating the legal landscape. Stanislaus County offers various avenues for assistance:

Stanislaus County Lawyer Referral: The Stanislaus County Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service by telephone, ensuring you can find legal representation when needed.

Stanislaus County Public Defender: Get information about the Stanislaus County Public Defender, who provides criminal defense services to eligible low-income adult and juvenile defendants.
Stanislaus County Senior Citizens Legal Help: Discover the Stanislaus County Senior Citizens Law Project, offering free legal assistance to residents aged 60 and over in various legal areas.
California Bar Association – Attorney Information and Discipline Records: Access the California Bar Association’s attorney search, which includes details about bar admission, schools attended, and any public disciplinary records.

California Rural Legal Assistance: Learn about California Rural Legal Assistance, which offers free legal assistance to low-income rural residents in many California counties.
Find a Lawyer, Referral Services, and Complaint Procedures: The State Bar of California provides guidance on finding a lawyer, filing complaints, resolving fee disputes, and seeking reimbursement for attorney misconduct.
Find Interpreters: The Judicial Council of California offers an online search for court interpreters by language spoken and county.

Free and Low-Cost Legal Services Information: Access information about sources of free and low-cost legal services, including court-based services, legal aid agencies, government agencies, lawyer referral services, law schools, dispute resolution programs, and prepaid legal service plans.
Free Legal Help: LawHelp California offers a directory of California organizations that provide free and reduced-fee legal services, making it easier to access assistance.
Limited-Scope Representation: Learn about limited-scope representation, where lawyers provide specific services to self-represented parties for a smaller fee, such as advice, representation on select issues, document preparation, coaching, research, and more.

Conclusion

In summary, the Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers is a busy hub for legal proceedings in Modesto and the surrounding region. With judges and staff across multiple divisions, this courthouse aims to serve the community through fair administration of justice. It provides central access to resolve criminal matters, civil disputes, family legal issues, probate cases and more.

FAQs

What types of cases are heard at the Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers?

This courthouse handles a wide range of criminal, civil, family law, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases for Stanislaus County. The major divisions include Criminal, Civil, Family Law, and Probate.

How can I get jury duty at the Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers?

You can fill out a jury duty questionnaire online when summoned. The court will review applications and select jurors at random from driver’s license and ID databases.

What COVID-19 precautions has the Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers implemented?

COVID safety measures include online hearings, remote appearances, social distancing in courtrooms, mask requirements, and additional cleaning/sanitizing procedures.

How can I access court records or case documents for the Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers?

Court records can be accessed online through the courthouse website portal with proper registration. You can also visit the clerk’s office in person to request files.

What types of payments can I make at the Stanislaus County Superior Court – City Towers?

You can make payments for fines, fees, bonds, restitution, and other financial court orders online, by mail, over the phone, or at the courthouse in-person.