Contra Costa County Criminal Court

Contra Costa County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Contra Costa County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Contra Costa County.

Contra Costa County Required Court Appearances

In Contra Costa County, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.

Burden of Proof

The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.

Contra Costa County Criminal Court

Contra Costa County Criminal Court

What is Jury Deliberation?

After both the prosecution and defense have presented their cases, the judge in the case will provide instructions to the jury about what they must decide. The jury will be dismissed to the jury room where they will deliberate about the guilt or innocence of the defendant. After reaching a unaminous decision, they return their decision to the court where it is read aloud in the courtroom. If the jury is unable to reach a unaminous decision, the jury is deadlocked, also known as a hung jury, in which a mistrial will be declared.

Right to an attorney

The US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment ensures the right to an attorney regardless of whether or not you can afford one. In Contra Costa County a public defender will be appointed by the judge if you cannot afford private representation.

The Right to Trial by Jury

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury. This is applicable for when the crime can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail OR a $500 fine, these are known as “Serious Crimes”. The defendant can also waive their right to a speedy and public trial.

Can I appeal a guilty verdict?

If found guilty, a defendant may decide to appeal his case to an appelate court. The appellate court will not retry the case, they will examine the proceedings in the lower court to make sure they were done in a legal manner. The appellate court can either uphold the original conviction, or determine that due to errors made in the original trial, that there must be a retrial, resentencing or a complete dismissal of the charges.

Sentencing in Contra Costa County

In Contra Costa County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.

Where can I get help for my Contra Costa County criminal case?

The 6th amendment of the United States Constitution provides a criminal defendant with the right to an attorney. As read in the miranda rights, this means that if a defendant cannot afford to hire a private attorney a legal attorney will be appointed to the defendant to represent him at no cost to the defendant. This is often a public defender. In addition, the court clerk for Contra Costa County will also be able to provide general information about a specific criminal case. The clerk can only provide information and is not an attorney so they cannot provide legal advice, only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice about what the best options for are for your particular case.

Can I request a Plea Agreement?

In Contra Costa County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.

Who is the prosecutor for Contra Costa County?

Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Contra Costa County criminal cases will either be a representative of Contra Costa County or a representative from California. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.

Arraignments in Contra Costa County

During an arraignment in Contra Costa County, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Contra Costa County, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Contra Costa County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.

Contra Costa County Criminal Court locations

Criminal proceedings take place in the Contra Costa County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.

Contra Costa County Criminal Court Locations

  • Contra Costa County Superior Court – Concord

    Address: 2970 Willow Pass Road, Concord CA 94519
    Phone: 925-646-5404 (Traffic)

  • Contra Costa County Superior Court – Martinez

    Address: 202 Glacier Drive, Martinez CA 94553
    Phone: 925-646-4099

  • Contra Costa County Superior Court – Martinez

    Address: 725 Court Street, Martinez CA 94553
    Phone: 925-646-4099

  • Contra Costa County Superior Court – Martinez

    Address: 1020 Ward Street, Martinez CA 94553
    Phone: 925-646-2440

  • Contra Costa County Superior Court – Martinez

    Address: 751 Pine Street, Martinez CA 94553
    Phone: 925-646-4099

  • Contra Costa County Superior Court – Pittsburg

    Address: 1000 Center Drive, Pittsburg CA 94565
    Phone: 925-646-4099

  • Contra Costa County Superior Court – Richmond

    Address: 100 37th Street, Richmond CA 94805
    Phone: 925-646-4099

  • Contra Costa County Superior Court – Walnut Creek

    Address: 640 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek CA 94596
    Phone: 925-646-6572 (Traffic)

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