Appeals

An appeal is a request to a higher court requesting a review of a decision made by a lower court.

Civil

Lawsuits in civil court can involve a range of areas involving disputes over money, title or possession of real property, enforcing a contract, protecting one's civil rights, or seeking compensation for a civil tort.

Criminal

A criminal action is the proceeding by which a person charged with a public offense is accused and brought to justice and punishment. A criminal action is prosecuted in the name of the people of the State of California, as a party, against the person charged with the offense.

Probate

Probate Court handles decedent's estates, trust proceedings, guardianship proceedings, conservatorship proceedings, minor's compromises, and mental health filings.

Traffic

Vehicle code infractions, municipal code violations, and county ordinances are heard in Traffic Court.

Family Law

Family Law Court handles cases in which people are ending a marriage or registered domestic partnership, identifying a child’s legal parents, determining custody and visitation issues, establishing or enforcing child and spousal support or dealing with domestic violence issues.

Juvenile

Juvenile Court handles both dependency and delinquency matters.

Grand Jury

California is served by a grand jury system that provides a grand jury in each county empowered by law to bring indictments or perform an oversight function into the operation of county and municipal governments.