Tehama County Superior Court – Criminal and Traffic Divisions

Address
1740 Walnut Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080

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Working Hours:

• Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

Contact Information:

• Phone: 530-527-3563
• Fax: 530-527-0956
• Website: Tehama County Superior Court

The Tehama County Superior Court serves the residents of Tehama County, California, addressing a wide range of criminal and traffic cases across its locations in Red Bluff and Corning. This guide provides detailed insights into the court’s criminal and traffic divisions, case types, and procedural details to assist citizens in navigating the court system effectively.

Overview of Tehama County Superior Court

The Tehama County Superior Court operates under the California state court system, overseeing all criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions within the county. With a population of approximately 65,000 residents, the court strives to provide equal access to justice through timely and fair case resolutions. It has two locations—Red Bluff and Corning—to serve the community. Judges, elected to six-year terms, preside over cases with impartiality and dedication to upholding the law.

Focus of This Guide

This guide concentrates on:

1. Criminal Division: Procedures for felony and misdemeanor cases.
2. Traffic Division: Handling infractions and misdemeanor traffic offenses.
3. Court Locations and Hours: Key details about accessing court services.

The objective is to equip residents with actionable knowledge for dealing with criminal charges or traffic citations.

Criminal Division

Overview

The criminal division handles all adult felony and misdemeanor cases. Proceedings begin with formal charges filed by the district attorney’s office and may involve arraignments, pretrial conferences, trials, and sentencing. The court prioritizes justice and public safety by applying laws fairly and efficiently. Most criminal proceedings occur at the main courthouse in Red Bluff.

Felony Cases

Felony offenses are serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison. The procedural steps include:

• Arraignment: Defendants are informed of charges, rights, and bail conditions. A public defender is appointed if necessary.
• Pretrial Conferences: Defense and prosecution exchange evidence, discuss plea agreements, and prepare for trial.
• Trial: Evidence is presented before a jury, which delivers a verdict. If guilty, sentencing follows.

Misdemeanor Cases

Misdemeanors involve less severe offenses with penalties up to one year in county jail. Procedures include:

• Arraignment: Similar to felonies, but typically faster.
• Pretrial Conferences: Focus on plea deals or scheduling bench trials before a judge.
• Trial: Bench trials involve direct judgment by a judge without a jury. Sentencing occurs immediately upon conviction.

Traffic Division

The traffic division manages infractions and misdemeanor traffic offenses within Tehama County. Cases are heard at both Red Bluff and Corning courthouses.

Infractions

Infractions are minor violations, such as speeding, with no jail time. Procedures include:

• Arraignment: Defendants can plead guilty or not guilty by mail, with options for online fine payments.
• Trial: Bench trials involve a commissioner reviewing evidence and determining guilt or innocence.

Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses

More severe traffic violations, like DUIs, involve:

• Arraignment: In-person hearings where defendants enter pleas and bail is set.
• Pretrial Conferences: Prosecution and defense discuss plea deals and prepare for trial.
• Trial: Bench trials before a judge with immediate sentencing upon conviction.

Court Locations and Hours

Red Bluff Courthouse

• Address: 1500 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA
• Services: Handles felony and some misdemeanor cases.
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

Corning Courthouse

• Address: 744 Pine Street, Corning, CA
• Services: Handles traffic and local misdemeanor cases.
• Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Online Court Resources

Case Information and Calendars

• Weekly schedules and case details are available online, filtered by department and case type.

Forms and Records

• Access California Superior Court forms, AOC records request forms, and interactive tools like TurboCourt for family law and small claims forms.

Fine Payments

• Traffic fines and criminal penalties can be paid online. Convenience fees apply.

Self-Help and ADR Services

• Resources include the Tehama County Law Library, family court services, and small claims advisors.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs provide mediation and arbitration options.

Conclusion

The Tehama County Superior Court is dedicated to providing accessible and fair legal services. Understanding court procedures, locations, and resources can help residents efficiently navigate the legal system. Visit the Tehama County Superior Court website for further details or contact the court for assistance.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between an infraction and a misdemeanor?
   Infractions involve fines with no jail time; misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail.
2. What happens at a criminal arraignment?
   Defendants are informed of charges, enter pleas, and have bail set.
3. Can I negotiate a plea deal before trial?
   Yes, plea negotiations often occur during pretrial conferences.
4. How can I dispute a traffic ticket?
   Plead not guilty by mail and request a trial to contest the citation.
5. Are online resources free to access?
   Most resources are free, though some services, like TurboCourt, may have associated fees.