San Bernardino Superior Court: A Comprehensive Guide

The San Bernardino Superior Court is the largest superior court in California, serving the residents of San Bernardino County, the 14th most populous county in the United States. With over 300 judges and commissioners, the court handles a wide range of civil, criminal, family law, juvenile delinquency, and probate matters.

A Snapshot of San Bernardino Superior Court

• Number of Judges: 300+
• Number of Commissioners: 30+
• Cases Filed Annually: 400,000+
• Population Served: 2.1 million
• Budget: $350 million+

Court Locations and Jurisdiction

The San Bernardino Superior Court has four main locations:

1. San Bernardino Justice Center: 303 W. Third Street, San Bernardino
2. Rancho Cucamonga Justice Center: 11777 Foothill Boulevard, Rancho Cucamonga
3. Victorville Justice Center: 15421 Civic Drive, Victorville
4. Barstow Justice Center: 235 E. Mountain View Street, Barstow

The court has jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters arising within San Bernardino County, including:

• Civil lawsuits
• Criminal prosecutions
• Family law matters (divorce, child custody, etc.)
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Probate proceedings

Case Processing and Timelines

The San Bernardino Superior Court is committed to providing timely and efficient resolution of cases. However, the time it takes for a case to be resolved varies depending on its complexity and the number of parties involved.

Civil Cases:
- Average case processing time: 12-18 months
- Complex cases: May take several years to resolve

Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases: Typically resolved within 12-18 months
- Misdemeanor cases: Typically resolved within 6-12 months

Family Law Cases:
- Divorce cases: Typically resolved within 6-12 months
- Child custody cases: May take longer to resolve, depending on the complexity of the issues involved

Services and Resources

The San Bernardino Superior Court provides a wide range of services and resources to the public, including:

• Court Help Center: Provides free legal information and assistance
• Self-Help Law Center: Offers self-represented litigants guidance and resources
• Family Law Facilitator Program: Assists parties with family law matters
• Juvenile Court Clinic: Provides free legal services to juveniles
• Community Court Program: Provides alternatives to traditional criminal court for low-level offenses

Technology Initiatives

The San Bernardino Superior Court is committed to using technology to improve access to justice and streamline court operations. Some of the court's technology initiatives include:

• Electronic Filing: Allows attorneys and self-represented litigants to file documents electronically
• Online Case Information: Provides the public with access to case information online
• Text Me When: Notifies parties of court appearances and other important dates via text message
• E-Service: Allows parties to serve documents electronically

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a successful experience with the San Bernardino Superior Court, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Failing to prepare: Come to court prepared with all necessary documents and information
• Being late: Punctuality is essential in court proceedings
• Dressing inappropriately: Business attire is generally required in court
• Speaking out of turn: Only speak when called upon by the judge
• Disrespecting the court: Treat the court and its staff with respect

FAQs

1. How do I file a lawsuit in San Bernardino County?
To file a lawsuit in San Bernardino County, you must file a complaint with the court clerk at one of the four court locations.

2. How do I get a copy of my court records?
You can obtain copies of your court records by submitting a written request to the court clerk or by accessing the court's online case information system.

3. How do I find a lawyer?
You can find a lawyer through the San Bernardino County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service or by searching online directories.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: A woman named Susan filed for divorce from her husband, who had been verbally and emotionally abusive. The divorce proceedings were contentious, but Susan ultimately obtained a restraining order against her husband and a divorce decree that awarded her custody of their children.

Lesson Learned: Domestic violence is a serious issue that can have lasting effects on victims. It is important to seek help if you are in an abusive relationship.

Story 2: A man named John was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was convicted and sentenced to probation. As part of his probation, John was required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and complete a DUI education program.

Lesson Learned: Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can result in serious consequences, including jail time and fines. It is important to never drive after drinking alcohol.

Story 3: A family named the Smiths was the victim of a burglary. They filed a police report and provided the police with a detailed description of the stolen items. The police were able to recover some of the stolen property and the burglars were eventually arrested.

Lesson Learned: It is important to report crimes to the police promptly. The more information you provide, the more likely the police will be able to recover your stolen property and apprehend the criminals.

Tips and Tricks

• Dress professionally. First impressions matter, so dress appropriately for court.
• Be on time. Punctuality shows respect for the court and its time.
• Be prepared. Gather all necessary documents and information before coming to court.
• Be respectful. Treat the judge, court staff, and other parties with respect.
• Speak clearly. When addressing the court, speak clearly and concisely.
• Listen carefully. Pay attention to the judge's instructions and the testimony of witnesses.
• Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask the judge or the court staff for clarification.
• Follow the court's rules. The court has specific rules and procedures that must be followed.
• Be patient. Court proceedings can sometimes take time. Be patient and do not become frustrated.

Tables

Table 1: Caseload Statistics for the San Bernardino Superior Court

Table 2: Budget and Staffing for the San Bernardino Superior Court

Table 3: Timeline for Resolving Cases in the San Bernardino Superior Court