Criminal Court
Orange County CA Criminal Court provides services for misdemeanor and felony criminal matters handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. This article explains how criminal cases are processed, where criminal court services are located, how to access case information, request records, make payments, prepare for court appearances, and use available self-help information.
Criminal Court Services
The Criminal Division of the Superior Court of Orange County handles criminal operations for misdemeanor and felony matters. Criminal cases begin when the government files a case against a defendant for an alleged crime. Charging documents may include citations, complaints, informations, and grand jury indictments.
The Criminal Division also handles several related matters that may be assigned to different justice centers, including search warrants, fugitive warrants, identification hearings from another state, extradition proceedings, governor’s warrants, and probable cause arrest warrants.
Criminal cases generally fall into different categories based on the seriousness of the offense. Infractions are minor violations commonly processed through the Traffic Division. Misdemeanors may involve penalties including county jail time and fines. Felonies are the most serious criminal cases and may result in significant penalties if the defendant is convicted.
Residents can review criminal case information through the court’s Criminal Division services, which include online services, court appearance information, payment options, record searches, attorney information, and other criminal case resources.
Criminal Case Process
Criminal cases move through several stages depending on whether the matter is a misdemeanor or felony. The Superior Court provides information about common criminal proceedings to help the public understand what may occur during a case.
Misdemeanor Hearings
Misdemeanor cases may include several types of hearings:
Arraignment, where the defendant appears before the court to enter a plea to the charges.
Pre-trial proceedings, where the prosecution and defense may discuss resolving the case before trial.
Motions, which are requests made to the court for a ruling or order.
Court trial, where a judicial officer decides the facts and legal issues.
Jury trial, where a jury determines factual questions and the final judgment.
Sentencing, where the court issues a judgment after a conviction.
Felony Hearings
Felony matters may involve additional proceedings, including preliminary hearings and trial-setting conferences. A felony case may include:
Arraignment on the charges.
Pre-trial conferences.
Motions requesting court action.
Preliminary hearings to determine whether enough evidence exists for the case to proceed.
Trial proceedings.
Sentencing and possible probation-related hearings.
Criminal matters generally require a court appearance unless the court or an attorney advises otherwise. Information about appearances, hearings, and courtroom procedures is available through the court’s criminal court appearance information.
Finding Criminal Court Locations
The Orange County Superior Court Criminal Division operates at several justice centers. Criminal Division hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Each courthouse has specific departments and services. Criminal matters, collections, self-help services, and other court operations may be located in different areas of the justice centers.
The court provides drop boxes or door slots at the listed courthouses. These locations are available 24 hours a day. Payments and properly completed documents placed in a drop box before 4:00 p.m. on an open court day are considered received on that same date.
Central Justice Center
The Central Justice Center handles criminal services in Santa Ana. Criminal Division, Collections Office, and Self-Help Center services are available at this location.
Harbor Justice Center
The Harbor Justice Center Newport Beach Facility provides criminal services, collections services, and self-help services for cases assigned to that location.
North Justice Center
The North Justice Center in Fullerton provides Criminal and Traffic Division services. The Criminal and Traffic Divisions are combined in Room 350.
West Justice Center
The West Justice Center in Westminster provides Criminal Division services through its courthouse operations.
Additional courthouse information, locations, and general court contact details are available through the court’s locations and contact information page.
Online Criminal Case Access
The Superior Court of Orange County provides online services for criminal and traffic cases. Online case access can help users locate case information, view hearing information, review dispositions, and find an OC Pay # when needed.
The court provides two levels of information through online systems. Index information provides limited case filing details, while case access provides additional information such as hearing dates and dispositions.
Users should remember that online information is not the official court record. The court advises that official certified records must be requested through the court by obtaining the specific documents in person or in writing.
Traffic citations may not appear in online case access for up to 21 days from the date issued. A courtesy notice may be mailed with general information and available options. Failure to receive a courtesy notice does not excuse failure to address a citation by the required date.
Criminal Record Requests
Criminal record searches and copies of documents can be requested through the Criminal Operations Department at any justice center. Requests may be submitted in person or by mail.
When requesting a record search by mail, provide as much identifying information as possible, including:
Case number.
Full name or names.
Date of birth.
Driver’s license number, if known.
Location and date of violation.
Any additional available information.
The court’s criminal copy and record search information explains available request methods and required information for searches and copy requests.
Copy requests may be made at the clerk’s office where the case was filed or by mail. Requests should include the defendant’s name, case number, date of birth if known, driver’s license number if known, specific documents requested, and a contact phone number.
Mail requests for copies should include the required information or copy request form and payment by check payable to “Clerk of the Court.” Cash should not be mailed. Copy requests are generally filled within 7 to 10 working days.
Payments and Court Fees
The court’s Automated Information and Payment Center provides automated court information and accepts payments for criminal and traffic cases filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Orange.
The automated system requires an OC Pay # for certain services. The system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and services are available in English and Spanish.
Payments processed through the automated phone system include a convenience fee added to the fine. Extensions, when available, are granted free of charge.
Online court services may also allow users to request eligible extensions, establish payment plans, make payments, submit electronic correspondence, reserve court dates, and set up reminders.
Payment Information
When submitting payments by mail, checks or money orders should be payable to “Clerk of the Court.” Cash should not be mailed. Include the case or citation number to help ensure payment is credited correctly.
Payment and automated service details are available through the court’s Automated Information and Payment Center.
Attorney and Self Help Options
People charged with crimes may seek assistance from a criminal defense attorney. The court provides information about private attorneys, public defenders, and court-appointed counsel through its self-help services.
If a person cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a lawyer, often a public defender. A defendant should tell the judge at arraignment if they cannot afford legal representation. The court may require completion of a Financial Affidavit explaining financial circumstances.
The court’s Self-Help Criminal information provides public information about obtaining an attorney, appearing in court, paying fines and bail, cleaning up records, appeals, and victim-related information.
Preparing for Court
People appearing in criminal court should review their case information, confirm their assigned courthouse, and understand the date and time of any required appearance. If an appearance is required and a person fails to appear, the court may issue a warrant and other consequences may apply.
To appear on a warrant, the person must report to the Criminal Operations Department at the justice center that issued the warrant by 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. Arrivals after 8:00 a.m. may be required to return on the next business day unless the court allows otherwise.
Interpreter and Disability Services
Individuals who need an interpreter can request assistance through the clerk’s office or courtroom upon arrival.
People with disabilities who need accommodations should complete a Request for Accommodations by Persons With Disabilities form and file it with the court as soon as possible, but at least five days before a hearing or trial date.
Criminal Bail Information
Bail is money or other security deposited with the court to help ensure a defendant appears as required. Orange County uses bail schedules for felony and misdemeanor matters, but judges may adjust bail depending on the circumstances of a case.
The court advises that bail calculations can be complicated and that schedules should be used only as reference information.
Appeals After Conviction
A person found guilty after trial may have the right to appeal. An appeal is not a new trial. The appellate court reviews the trial record to determine whether legal errors occurred.
For misdemeanor and infraction cases, a Notice of Appeal must generally be filed within 30 days of the judgment or order. For felony cases, a Notice of Appeal must generally be filed within 60 days.
Criminal Court Offices
Criminal Division — 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 — (657) 622-8459
Harbor Justice Center - Newport Beach — 4601 Jamboree Rd., Newport Beach, CA 92660-2595 — (657) 622-8459
North Justice Center — 1275 N. Berkeley Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832-1258 — (657) 622-8459
West Justice Center — 8141 13th St., Westminster, CA 92683-4593 — (657) 622-8459
Superior Court P.O. Box 6040 — Newport Beach, CA 92658-6040 — (657) 622-8459
Criminal Court FAQs
How can I check my criminal court case information?
You can review criminal case information through the Criminal & Traffic Cases online access provided by the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. The online system can show index information, case details, hearing dates, dispositions, and help locate an OC Pay #. Online information is provided as a public service and is not the official court record. Certified records must be requested through the court.
What should I do if I need to appear in criminal court?
Criminal matters generally require a court appearance unless the court or an attorney advises otherwise. Before appearing, confirm your assigned court location and hearing information. If you need to advance or calendar your case, the court advises appearing at the clerk’s office by 8:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. If you fail to appear as ordered, the court may issue a warrant and other penalties may apply. Details about hearings, warrants, and courtroom procedures are available through Appearing in Court information.
How do I request criminal records or copies?
Criminal record searches and document copies can be requested through the Criminal Operations Department at the Justice Center where the case was filed. Requests may require details such as the case number, defendant’s name, date of birth if known, driver’s license number if known, violation information, and the specific documents requested. The court also provides online options for searching criminal case information through its official systems.
Can I get help with payments or court procedures?
The court’s Automated Information and Payment Center provides criminal case information, payment services, and eligible extension processing. Online court services may also allow users to make payments, request extensions, establish payment plans, submit electronic correspondence, and manage certain case-related requests.
How can I request an attorney through the court?
If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request court-appointed counsel. The court explains attorney options, including public defender services and the process for informing the judge at arraignment about your need for representation. More information is available through Obtaining an Attorney.