Where can I find information on my next court date and the location of the courthouse for my criminal case in California?

You can find your court date and courthouse location by checking your initial paperwork, searching your county's Superior Court online portal, or calling the criminal court clerk's office directly. Here are the steps to find your case information: Step 1: Check Your Initial Court Documents Review the documents you received when you were cited or released from custody. This could be a ticket, a "Notice to Appear" (as mentioned in Penal Code 853.6), or release paperwork from the jail. These documents usually list your first court date, time, and the address of the courthouse. Step 2: Use the County Court's Online Portal Most California Superior Courts have a website with a public case search portal. Use a search engine to find the official website for the Superior Court in the county where your case is filed (e.g., "Los Angeles County Superior Court"). On the website, look for a "Case Search" or "Online Services" link. You can typically search by your full name and date of birth or by the case number found on your paperwork. Step 3: Call the Court Clerk's Office If you cannot find the information online, call the criminal division of the Superior Court clerk's office for the county where the incident occurred. Have your full name, date of birth, and case number (if you have it) ready. The clerk can look up your case and provide the date, time, and department for your next hearing. Step 4: Contact Your Attorney If you have hired a private attorney or have been assigned a public defender, contact their office. Your attorney is the most reliable source of information, as they receive official notices from the court about any changes or scheduled appearances. Important Details and Nuances: Court dates can be changed or postponed (a process called a "continuance"). It is critical to verify your court date a few days beforehand, especially if it has been rescheduled before. California has 58 separate county court systems, so make sure you are checking the correct county's court. Warnings and Limitations: Failing to appear for a scheduled court date will likely result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest. Online court portals may not be updated in real-time, so calling the clerk is a good way to confirm information found online. Pursuant to the California Rules of Court, most criminal case information is public record. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified California attorney.