Contra Costa Superior Court — Local services in Martinez

This review is about the court system as a whole and focuses on the administrative employees, not the judicial or elected officials, (I'll save that for later 😉.) I will also preface this comment by saying, "I'm from back East and have only lived in CA for about 2 years; I'm playing catch-up on how your legal system handles LITTERALLY EVERYTHING."

The clerks seem to enjoy their work and, overall, want to help you as best as they can (without overburdening themselves.) The county has mismanaged their budget, * shocked gasp,* so every case is at least a year behind schedule. They will not feel bad about the undue hardship and stress this will inevitably cause everyone, nor will they regret not having enough funding to attract enough court reporters to cover their minimum requirements. This sentiment is expressed in the Court's current standing orders explaining that they acknowledge not having an official record of some proceedings does deprive defendants/respondents of their right to appeal, but there's nothing they can do about it. No money, so sad. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

They technically close at 5pm weekdays, however, they are prancing out the door at 5pm sharp, government style. They start shutting down at 4pm, (3:30pm if your bad luck has you there on a Friday.) Don't procrastinate. Try to be there at 8:30am sharp and bring quarters for the meter. Also, they do not man their phones for all the hours that they claim to be open, see my last for appropriate call times.

Most clerks have an easygoing attitude and a friendly approach will get you the furthest. They will never work fast, but they are usually proficient in their work. Double check, though.

I recommend: Immediately applying for a fee waiver, if you're broke like me. Make use of the Law Library staff's expertise if you're representing yourself. Submit the proper documentation early on if you're self representing pro se or pro per. Ask all the questions, doesn't matter how frustrated they get with you. Research what public records are available and useful to you and pull all of them, it sometimes helps to prove motive or establish a pattern. Check everyone involved has up to date professional licenses, business licenses, is compliant with code enforcement, ect. If you can pay a PI to get DMV and tax records, do it. Don't show up with just your word, they don't care. Bring money for the meter. If you have any documented conditions that can be described as a disability by the ADA, contact Debbie in HR on the fourth floor of the Taylor building, she's the ADA liaison. She is wonderful and required by law to make reasonable accommodations for you, it's up to you to decide what you think you need and ask for it. They will say yes or no to...

4/13/16:

Had a great first-day jury selection experience. I showed up on time while others trickled in for almost an hour after me, but it's nice they weren't penalized since parking is kind of a nightmare: one free lot that's almost full by 8 in the morning. After that, youre on your own for metered parking on the street. Beware of 2-hr meters and look for 10-hr, or park for free several blocks away at the marina. It seems to make this civic duty as pleasant as possible they'd offer some sort of tag for cars who are parked on the street during jury duty so that the (potential) jurors don't have to pay for their spot all day. We were warned that the fines are written soon after your meter expires, and can be up to $30 for each ticket. Not fun.

Thankfully my early arrival got me a spot in the free lot. I went through a fast security line and x-ray machine with friendly officers keeping everything running smoothly. Then I found a seat in the juror waiting room which had lots of chairs, some tables with puzzles and other games, outlets for charging phones/computers, TVs that showed interesting shows, and even a little break room in the back with vending machines and a coffee machine. Fridge and microwave are also available for use for free if you want to bring your lunch from home.

There was a really long lunch period before my group was even called to go upstairs, but once we made it to the next step in the process, everyone from the bailiff to the judge was very nice and the entire process was a lot more pleasant than I anticipated. I get to return tomorrow for sure, and maybe even for a few weeks after that. I feel honored to finally get to participate as a potential juror and am thankful to live in a country where we have the right to trial by a jury...

What an absolute joke this place is. I got a ticket and I’ll admit yes I was speeding on my motorcycle (even though the chp officer couldn’t tell me the speed I was going) but also had a permit on the freeway so that was a separate ticket. Now the officer at the time was super cool and explained that the ticket for the permit on the freeway was a fix it ticket once I got my license. I go get my license and call the court to see what to do next just to find out the officer checked the wrong box and now it can’t be changed to a fix it ticket. The lady on the phone literally said all I have to do is go to court and get it fixed. However, that’s my time, that’s my money. This is about as hypocritical as an enforcement agency can be. I have to be on top of my stuff but their officers don’t have to be on top of theirs. It would cost me more money to take the day off then just eat the stupid ticket so thanks a lot contra costa county for being about as...