AnonymousIMPLEMENTATION OF ADDITIONAL SERVICE REDUCTIONS.
CLERK’S OFFICES CLOSED EFFECTIVE MARCH 19, 2020 THROUGH MARCH 27, 2020 DUE TO COVID-19
On March 12, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department declared a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an effort to help control the spread of COVID-19, the Santa Barbara County Superior Court is taking further steps to minimize the public’s potential exposure to COVID-19 by reducing the number of people required to come to the courthouse. In addition to the closures previously announced, the court is closing public access to the Superior Court clerk’s offices in all courthouse locations effective March 19, 2020 through March 27, 2020.
The clerk’s offices will continue to accept electronic filings in civil, family, and probate cases. Electronic filing is available at www.sbcourts.org. Self-represented parties are encouraged to e-file, but may submit filings at most court locations by using the designated drop boxes.
Previously, Presiding Judge Michael Carrozzo took the extraordinary measure of ordering almost all courtrooms closed and all matters calendared between March 17 and April 3, 2020 to be rescheduled. Only in-custody criminal arraignments are being conducted in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. One courtroom in Santa Barbara and one courtroom in Santa Maria will address emergency orders.
Temporary Restraining orders that would otherwise expire between March 17, 2020 and April 15, 2020 will be extended for 30 days from original expiration date.
Juvenile matters are being conducted in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. Appearances for the minor and parents in Dependency matters are being waived. Appearances for the minor and parents in Delinquency matters is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Jurors scheduled for the weeks of March 16 and March 23 will not be scheduled to appear and have been given credit for one year. If summoned for a future date, jurors may check their status online at www.juryservice.sbcourts.org or call (855) 955-1103 for additional information.
The court continues to monitor this evolving situation and will make additional adjustments to court operations as appropriate.
Please check the court’s website www.sbcourts.org for COVID-19 updates.
Superior Court Service Reductions Due to Covid-19
In a further effort to promote the health and safety of court users and employees and reduce community spread of the Covid-19/Coronavirus, the Santa Barbara County Superior Court has suspended all non-emergency services effective March 17, 2020 – April 3, 2020.
Except as indicated below, the court will be closed for:
CRIMINAL
All criminal proceedings, except in-custody arraignments.
CIVIL
All civil proceedings will be rescheduled
All Unlawful Detainer (UD) matters will be rescheduled
FAMILY
All family court departments are closed
All family court mediation matters are being handled telephonically
The Family Law Facilitator’s office will be closed to the public.
All clinics and workshops have been cancelled.
All family support matters will be rescheduled
JUVENILE
Juvenile matters are still being heard.
TRAFFIC
All traffic matters will be rescheduled
All those cited to appear in Traffic Court will have a 30-day grace period starting when the court reopens all services (monitor www.sbcourts.org for service updates).
SMALL CLAIMS
All small claims matters will be continued
PROBATE
All Probate hearings are suspended
All in-person visits related to guardianship and conservatorship cases will be suspended.
THE COURT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
Chamber ex-parte requests for civil harassment TROs, DVTRO’s, and Gun Violence Protective Orders
Emergency ex-parte proceedings in Unlawful Detainers.
Ex parte request for emergency TRO’s, Guardianship requests where a minor’s safety is at risk.
Emergency conservatorship and other emergency
Superior court operational changes in response to Covid-19
Presiding Judge Michael J. Carrozzo signed an administrative order this afternoon continuing most scheduled matters in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court to a date after April 3, 2020. Parties with cases scheduled during that time will receive notification of their re-scheduled date.
Most courtrooms in Santa Barbara County Superior Court will be closed. Only the criminal arraignment (hearing only in-custody matters) and juvenile courtrooms in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara will remain open.
Jurors currently serving on jury duty should report to court to receive direction from the judge presiding over that trial.
The clerk’s offices will remain open. Superior Court employees should report to work as previously scheduled.
Public Defender Urges Court Appearance by Counsel
The Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office is encouraging and requesting people who have criminal cases pending in Santa Barbara Superior Court to contact their defender’s office so that they may arrange to have a Deputy Public Defender make their court appearances for them.
According to Public Defender Tracy Macuga, “Generally, people accused of misdemeanors have a statutory right to be absent from court. There are exceptions. In domestic violence cases the client must be present at arraignment and sentencing, and in DUI cases the client may be ordered present.” Individuals accused of felonies must appear at their arraignment, but may be excused from future court appearances where the court accepts a waiver of appearance.
“Our goal is to assist the Public Health Department in implementing the recommended social distancing measures. Unfortunately, our courtrooms are often standing room only,” said Macuga. “As always, our primary commitment is to our clients and, right now, ensuring their health and safety is paramount. In order to slow the transmission of COVID-19, we must reduce foot traffic in and out of our courthouse.”
The Public Defender’s Office represents anyone who is charged with a crime and who cannot afford an attorney. Deputy Public Defenders are currently reaching out to their clients to arrange for future court appearances. Individuals who are not represented by an attorney and have an upcoming court hearing on a criminal matter, should call one of their three branch locations:
Santa Barbara: (805) 568-3470; Santa Maria: (805) 346-7500; Lompoc: (805) 737-7770.
