Where Will My Criminal Case Be Heard in San Diego? (Complete Court Guide)

Are you or a loved one facing criminal charges in San Diego, California? If so, you may find this guide helpful as we delve into each courthouse—state court, federal court, and juvenile court—where your case may be heard.

We’ll discuss which prosecutor will handle your case, explore key departments where your case may be heard, and examine the differences between state, federal, and juvenile courts in San Diego.

State Criminal Courts in San Diego

Let’s explore the four adult state criminal courts in San Diego: the downtown San Diego Courthouse, the Chula Vista Courthouse, the East County El Cajon Courthouse, and the North County Vista Courthouse.

Downtown San Diego Superior Court

Located at 1100 Union Street (corner of Union and C Street), downtown San Diego, right on the trolley line.

First Court Appearance – Arraignment

• Felony cases: Department 101
• Misdemeanor cases: Department 2011 (one floor above felony arraignment)

The purpose of arraignment is the same for both felonies and misdemeanors:

• Enter your plea (guilty or not guilty)
• Determine custody status (jail status, bail modification, setting or increasing bail)
• Set future court dates

Felony Case Progression

After arraignment, felony cases proceed to a Readiness Conference on the 11th floor in either:

• Department 1101
• Department 1102
• Department 1103

Department assignment is determined by the court at arraignment. The Readiness Conference allows your attorney, the district attorney, and judge to:

• Discuss if more time is needed
• Review pending documents
• Consider trial options
• Explore possible plea negotiations or dismissal

Misdemeanor Case Progression

After arraignment, misdemeanor cases typically have a Readiness Conference in Department 202. The City Attorney’s office prosecutes almost all misdemeanor cases in the Downtown Courthouse, while the District Attorney’s office handles felonies.

Chula Vista Courthouse (South County)

Located at 500 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista, 91910 (corner of 3rd Avenue and H Street)

Key Departments:

• Department 3: Misdemeanor cases start here
• Department 12: Felony arraignments
• Department 14: Felony Readiness conferences
• Department 16: Preliminary hearings (“Grand Central Station”)

El Cajon Courthouse (East County)

Located at 250 East Main Street, El Cajon, 92020

Key Departments:

• Department 3: All arraignments (misdemeanors and felonies)
• Department 2: Felony Readiness conferences
• Department 4: Misdemeanor cases
• Department 11: Preliminary hearings and post-preliminary hearing Readiness conferences

Vista Courthouse (North County)

Located at 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, 92081

Misdemeanor Case Flow:

• Department 14: Arraignments
• Department 1: Readiness conferences
• Department 5: Motion hearings and trials

Felony Case Flow:

• Department 14: Arraignments
• Department 6: Pre-preliminary hearing Readiness conferences
• Department 5: Preliminary hearings and post-preliminary hearing matters

Juvenile Court

Located at 2851 Meadow Lark Lane, San Diego, 92123 (near Highway 163 and Genesee)

Key Differences from Adult Court:

• First appearance is called a “detention hearing” (versus “arraignment”)
• “Adjudication hearing” is equivalent to trial (no jury trials, bench trials only)
• “Disposition hearing” is equivalent to sentencing
• Focus on rehabilitation and reunification

Federal Court (Southern District of California)

Located on Broadway in downtown San Diego, with a secondary courthouse in El Centro

Key Features:

• Prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office
• Initial appearances handled by Magistrate Court judges
• Cases progress to District Court judges (presidential appointees) for trials and sentencing
• Covers both San Diego and Imperial counties

Choosing Legal Representation for Your Criminal Case in San Diego

When selecting a law firm for your criminal defense:

1. Ensure they have experience in the specific courthouse where your case will be heard
2. Verify their familiarity with local judges and prosecutors
3. Confirm their understanding of the differences between courthouses and jurisdictions
4. Look for demonstrated success in similar cases within the specific court system

Remember, each courthouse has its unique procedures and key players. The right legal representation can help navigate these differences to work toward the best possible outcome for your case.