On February 3, 2025, San Joaquin County Superior Court’s Lodi Branch Court will reopen to the public resuming services to the Lodi community,  marking a significant step in our continued efforts to serve the surrounding community and ensure the accessibility of justice to north county.

The case types that will be handled at the Lodi Branch Court are:

• Criminal Arraignments, Pre-Trial Conference, Motions (misdemeanor out-of–custody matters)
• Traffic
• City Code Violations
• Small Claims
• Limited Civil (Civil Harassments—Lodi only, Name Changes—all County)
• Probate (including Civil Minors Comp, Guardianships, Mental Health, and Conservatorships)

We are confident that resuming operations in Lodi will help alleviate some of the workload on other court locations while providing the local community with more convenient access to essential court services. 

Please visit the Court’s website at www.sjcourts.org for additional information.

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Stockton, CA — On  December 1, 2024, the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, will accept petitions for the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act Program (CARE). Established by Senate Bill 1338, the CARE Act empowers a broad range of persons including family members, behavioral health professionals, licensed clinicians, first responders, public guardians, conservators, and others with close ties to an individual to petition the court on behalf of a person experiencing debilitating mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders. The CARE Act creates a pathway to connect eligible individuals (called “respondents”) to treatment and  services, focusing on long-term recovery through a structured court process. 

San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services (SJBHS) will evaluate eligibility, coordinate treatment and supportive services, and ensures program standards are met. When necessary, the Public Defender will provide legal representation for respondents who cannot afford their own attorney, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the process.  For additional information on SJBHS services visit their website at www.sjcbhs.org

If a respondent qualifies, a CARE agreement or plan may be developed and ordered by the court. Beginning December 1, 2024, CARE Act Petitions will be accepted at the Stockton Superior Court. Filing a petition is free of charge. CARE act proceedings are  confidential and will not be open to the public. CARE Act proceedings will take place each week on Monday at 9:00 a.m. in Department 9A, at the Stockton Court House, located at 180 E Weber Ave, Stockton, CA, 95202.   For additional information and resources visit www.sjcourts.org

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