Divisions

The Civil Division of the court handles cases where one party sues another to recover money or property, enforce a contract, collect damages, or protect civil rights. Petitions to change names and various writs are also handled by the Civil Division.

The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury consists of 19 private citizens solicited from the registry of voters, a list provided by the DMV and through advertising in the community.

The court works closely with its state and local justice system partners to support collaborative programs that seek to find effective ways to deal with certain types of criminal cases.

The Criminal Division has jurisdiction over felonies, misdemeanors, infractions.

The Family Law division hears matters involving family-related issues and domestic relations.

Information for jurors for both civil and criminal cases where the parties have elected to have a jury of their peers decide the case.

Juvenile Delinquency cases involve any persons under the age of 18 (minors) who are accused of violations of any law of the state or minors who are habitually truant.

Probate and conservatorship matters address a person’s finances upon death or the care of an adult person that is unable to care for themselves or their finances.

California Rules of Court provide the public with reasonable access to court records for viewing and copying.

Restraining orders include domestic violence prevention, elder abuse prevention,  civil harassment prevention, workplace violence, private postsecondary school violence prevention and gun violence prevention restraining orders. 

Small claims cases are lawsuits that do not exceed $10,000 and are resolved quickly and inexpensively with relatively simple and informal rules.

The Traffic Division has jurisdiction over Vehicle Code violations, some local municipal ordinances, infractions, and minor misdemeanors.