If you have a legal matter in Santa Clara County, the Santa Clara County Superior Court is the trial-level court that will initially hear and decide your case. Under normal circumstances, this takes place before a judge inside a courthouse.
However, with five different courthouses located in Santa Clara County, knowing where to go for court can be confusing.
The 5 Santa Clara County Courts To Know
There are five Santa Clara County courthouses scattered throughout the county. The type of case you have pending and the jurisdiction from which it arises will determine which courthouse your case will be heard at. If you are in doubt as to where you should go, contact the courthouses below before your court date.
1. Superior Court Hall Of Justice
Santa Clara County’s Hall of Justice is a large complex consisting of the Main Hall and a connected East Wing and West Wing. This is the county’s main criminal courthouse. If you have a misdemeanor or felony criminal matter pending in the county, chances are that it will be heard at the Hall of Justice.
The Hall of Justice is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact information for the Hall of Justice is as follows:
- Physical Address: 190-200 West Hedding, San Jose, CA 95110
- Mailing Address: 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Main Phone Number: (408) 808-6600
- Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) Phone Number: (408) 808-6626
For questions about jury service, you can contact the Hall of Justice’s main phone line or the jury TDD line at (408) 882-2591.
2. South County Morgan Hill Courthouse
The Morgan Hill Courthouse serves the communities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and the surrounding areas. Criminal and traffic matters occurring in that region will be heard in this building. The courthouse is open during the week between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and is closed on weekends.
You can contact the South County Morgan Hill Courthouse in the following ways:
- Physical Address: 301 Diana Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
- Mailing Address: 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Phone Number: (408) 695-5000
Those who are hard of hearing can call the courthouse’s TDD line at (408) 695-5199.
3. Palo Alto Courthouse
North County’s Palo Alto Courthouse hears criminal cases in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Cupertino, and the surrounding areas. Its contact information is as follows:
- Physical Address: 270 Grant Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306
- Mailing Address: 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Phone Number: (650) 462-3800
- TDD Number: (650) 470-3921
The Palo Alto Courthouse is open to the public between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
4. Family Justice Center Courthouse
The Family Justice Center Courthouse (FJCC) is a relatively new facility that opened within the last decade. Here are some general and contact details to know about the FJCC:
- Physical Address: 201 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Mailing Address: 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Phone Number: (408) 792-4200
- Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The judges who hold court at the FJCC hear a variety of cases. Family law matters like divorces and child custody situations are heard at the FJCC, as are juvenile dependency hearings. The latter type of hearing is held when a child is alleged to be the victim of abuse, neglect, or parental abandonment.
The FJCC also hears traffic matters and is the location of the county’s drug court. Drug court is an alternative to traditional criminal proceedings for eligible offenders charged with certain drug-related crimes. It offers assistance and resources for overcoming addiction and can lead to a more positive outcome for individuals who successfully complete the program.
5. Juvenile Justice Courthouse
The Juvenile Justice Courthouse is also a criminal courthouse. However, only criminal matters alleged to have been committed by a juvenile are heard at the Juvenile Justice Courthouse. Thus, if you are a parent and your child is accused of a criminal act, you will most likely have court sessions here.
Here is some additional information to know about the Juvenile Justice Courthouse:
- Physical Address: 840 Guadalupe Parkway, San Jose, CA 95110
- Mailing Address: 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Main Phone Number: (408) 808-6200
- TDD Line: (408) 808-6262
- Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Criminal cases alleged to be committed by an adult against a minor will likely be heard at the Hall of Justice or the Palo Alto or Morgan Hill courthouses.
Contact A San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing any type of criminal charge in San Jose, walking into a Santa Clara court and trying to resolve the matter yourself can be a disastrous mistake. As someone charged with a crime, you have rights; however, it is up to you to exercise them.
At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our team of experienced lawyers will fight to protect your freedoms. Get started today by contacting the firm and requesting a free consultation at (408) 217-8818.