Many people ask, "Which courts handle criminal cases in San Diego?" If you or someone you know has been arrested, knowing where the case will be heard is very important. San Diego County has several courts, and each one handles different types of criminal cases. In this guide, we will explain in very simple words how the court system works in San Diego, which courts hear criminal cases, and what you can expect.

Why Knowing the Right Court Matters

The court where your case is heard will affect:

  • Where you must appear for hearings

  • How quickly your case moves

  • Which judge or jury may handle the case

  • The resources available for your defense

Understanding the court system makes the process less stressful and helps you prepare better.

The San Diego Superior Court System

In California, most criminal cases are handled in Superior Courts. San Diego County has one Superior Court system with several locations. These courts deal with everything from small misdemeanor charges to serious felonies, and many people rely on skilled law firms such as Seven Legal APC for guidance when facing these cases.

Main Courthouses in San Diego County

There are four main courthouses in San Diego County that handle criminal cases. Each one serves different areas of the county.

1. Central Courthouse (Downtown San Diego)

  • Located in downtown San Diego.

  • Handles many serious criminal cases, including felonies.

  • Often used for high-profile cases.

2. South County Regional Center (Chula Vista)

  • Located in Chula Vista.

  • Handles criminal cases from the South Bay area.

  • Covers both misdemeanors and felonies.

3. East County Regional Center (El Cajon)

  • Located in El Cajon.

  • Handles cases from the eastern parts of San Diego County.

  • Includes a mix of criminal, traffic, and civil cases.

4. North County Regional Center (Vista)

  • Located in Vista.

  • Handles cases from northern parts of San Diego County.

  • Includes criminal cases, family law, and civil matters.

Types of Criminal Cases in San Diego Courts

The San Diego Superior Courts handle different levels of criminal cases:

Misdemeanors

  • Less serious crimes.

  • Examples: petty theft, simple DUI, trespassing, vandalism.

  • Usually punished with fines, probation, or up to one year in county jail.

Felonies

  • More serious crimes.

  • Examples: robbery, burglary, drug trafficking, assault with a deadly weapon.

  • Can result in long prison sentences.

Infractions

  • Minor violations (not really crimes).

  • Example: small traffic tickets.

  • Usually punished with fines only.

The Role of Federal Courts

While most criminal cases in San Diego are handled by the Superior Court, some cases go to federal court. Federal courts handle crimes that break U.S. federal laws.

The main federal courthouse in San Diego is the Edward J. Schwartz U.S. Courthouse, located downtown.

Examples of federal crimes include:

  • Immigration violations

  • Drug trafficking across state or national borders

  • Federal tax crimes

  • Crimes on federal property

Juvenile Court in San Diego

If the person arrested is under 18, the case goes to Juvenile Court instead of regular Superior Court.

  • San Diego Juvenile Court is located at the Kearny Mesa Juvenile Courthouse.

  • Focus is on rehabilitation, not just punishment.

  • Sentences may include counseling, probation, or community service instead of jail.

How Cases Move Through San Diego Courts

A typical criminal case in San Diego goes through these steps:

  1. Arrest and booking – Police take the person into custody.

  2. Arraignment – First court appearance where charges are read.

  3. Pretrial hearings – Lawyers argue about evidence and possible deals.

  4. Trial – A judge or jury decides guilt or innocence.

  5. Sentencing – If guilty, the judge gives punishment.

Each of these steps usually happens in one of the Superior Court locations, unless it is a federal case.

Why Location Matters

Where the crime happened usually decides which courthouse will handle the case.

  • Crime in Chula Vista → South County Courthouse

  • Crime in El Cajon → East County Courthouse

  • Crime in Oceanside → North County Courthouse

  • Crime in downtown San Diego → Central Courthouse

What to Expect When You Go to Court

If you have to appear in a San Diego criminal court, here are some tips:

  • Arrive early and dress respectfully.

  • Bring all paperwork with you.

  • Be polite to court staff, judges, and lawyers.

  • Follow all rules about phones, security checks, and silence.

The Importance of a Lawyer

No matter which courthouse your case is in, having a criminal defense lawyer in San Diego is very important. A lawyer can:

  • Explain which court will hear your case.

  • Represent you at hearings.

  • Argue for lower bail or reduced charges.

  • Guide you through the complicated legal process.

Example 1: Misdemeanor Theft in Vista

If someone is arrested for petty theft in Oceanside, their case will likely go to the North County Courthouse in Vista. The judge there will handle their arraignment, trial, or plea deal.

Example 2: Federal Drug Trafficking

If someone is caught transporting drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border, their case may go to the Federal Court in downtown San Diego, because it involves federal law.

Example 3: Juvenile DUI in San Diego

If a 16-year-old is arrested for DUI in San Diego, the case will not go to Superior Court. Instead, it will go to the Juvenile Courthouse in Kearny Mesa.

Final Thoughts

So, which courts handle criminal cases in San Diego? In simple words:

  • Most cases are handled by the San Diego Superior Courts, with four main courthouses: Central, South County, East County, and North County.

  • Federal Court handles cases involving U.S. federal laws.

  • Juvenile Court handles cases for people under 18.

Knowing which court will hear your case makes the process less stressful and helps you prepare better. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in San Diego, staying informed, arriving prepared, and getting legal help can make all the difference.