Effective Wednesday, March 1, 2023, Department L-1 and the Clerk’s Office at the Lodi Branch Court will close. Department L-1 is located at 217 W. Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240. Department L-2 and adjoining Clerk’s Office located at 315 W. Elm Street closed earlier this year in April.
Criminal matters currently scheduled in Department L-1 on or after March 1, 2023 will be heard in Stockton. Parties to cases will receive notice of their new court date and department at the Stockton courthouse. All related filings are to be filed at the Stockton courthouse.
The Court is facing a shortage in judges due to recent and upcoming retirements. These retirements significantly decrease judicial officer resources and necessitate the closure of the Lodi Branch Court. Judicial officer vacancies are filled through appointment by the Governor and it is unknown when appointments will be made. Although the closure is meant to be a temporary measure, there is no estimate on when the Lodi Branch Court will reopen.
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