Criminal
A Criminal Action is the procedure by which a person accused of committing a crime is charged and brought to trial. After evidence is presented from the prosecution and defense, a decision is made as to the person’s guilt, and if found guilty the accused is sentenced according to law.
Overview
In all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed to be innocent. The prosecutor must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
The District Attorney initiates a criminal action for the People of the State of California by filing the charging document: a Complaint, Information or Indictment.
California statutes generally classify a crime as a felony, a misdemeanor or an infraction. A felony is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment in a state prison or by death. A misdemeanor is a lesser criminal offense and punishable by fine and/or imprisonment in county jail. An infraction is punishable by a fine.
Arraignment
Your first appearance in court is for the arraignment. You will be informed of the charges filed against you and asked by the judge if you understand these charges. A ‘yes’ answer means you understand what charges have been filed, not that you are guilty of these charges, simply that you understand what the charges are and what they mean.
If you do not have an attorney and cannot afford to hire one, you may ask the Court to appoint one for you at your arraignment. No shorts, tank tops, bare feet are allowed in the courtroom.
Failure to Appear
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony and you do not appear on your court date, a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest. If a bench warrant is issued, you need to report to the court on a Tuesday for walk-in court, turn yourself into local law enforcement or contact an attorney who can advise you. If you are appearing for walk-in court please make sure you check in at the clerk’s office located at 532 Oak Street, Colusa, CA 95932 before 12:30p.m. Anyone who checks-in after 12:30p.m. for walk-in court will not be seen. No shorts, tank tops, bare feet are allowed in the courtroom.
Public Defender
The Public Defender may be appointed to represent defendants involved in a criminal case who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Eligibility is determined by established financial guidelines. Colusa County does not have a Public Defenders Office. If you are eligible for a Public Defender one will be appointed by the Court and his/her contact information will be provided to you.
District Attorney
The District Attorney’s Office represents the People of Colusa County and is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in Court. The Office of the District Attorney is located at 310 6th Street, Colusa, CA 95932 and can be reached at (530) 458-0545.
Payment Options
Payment by credit card, check or money order
Credit card payments can be made in person at Clerk’s Office. Please indicate your case number on your check or money order and include your full name. Do NOT send cash.
Mail or deliver your check or money order to:
532 Oak Street
Colusa, CA 95932
Online Payment
Pay Online with your Visa©, MasterCard©, or Discover© card, or with your checking account.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal
You can search for basic information on your case using our online index, or you can call the criminal division at (530) 458-5149 option 4 to speak to a deputy clerk who will assist you with limited case information over the phone. You can find out if you have fines owing, if a warrant exists or if you have a court date and the date, time and department of the hearing.
You can appear for walk-in court on a Tuesday, turn yourself in to law enforcement or contact an attorney who can advise you. If you are appearing for walk-in court please make sure you check in at the clerk’s office located at 532 Oak Street, Colusa, CA 95932 before 12:30p.m. Anyone who checks-in after 12:30p.m. for walk-in court will not be seen. No shorts, tank tops, bare feet are allowed in the courtroom.
In-custody arraignments are held as needed upon availability of the Court. Please contact the criminal division at (530)458-5149 option 4 after 9:00a.m. for more information regarding time and department of in-custody arraignments. Most in-custody defendants are placed on calendar the morning of court and may not appear on the court calendar.
As a defendant, you should expect to be in Court for a substantial portion of the day to take care of all possible matters.
Check to see if your name is on the calendar outside the courtroom. If your name is not on the list, please check in with the Clerk’s Office located at 532 Oak Street, Colusa, CA 95932. The deputy clerks will let you know what time your case will be heard and in which department.
Calendars for non-confidential matters are available on this website by department. Please visit the Court Calendar page or you may use the Online Case Index to search for your case by party name or case number.
Check in with the Clerk's Office located at 532 Oak Street, Colusa, CA 95932. The deputy clerks will let you know what time your case will be heard and in which department.
You may ask for copies in person or submit a request by mail. Copies are $.50 per page, with an additional certification fee of $40.00 per certification, if necessary. When requesting copies by mail, please specify the document(s) you are requesting, and include the case number and the party names and approximate dates of the document(s).
If the case number is unknown, there is an additional $15.00 search fee per name required. We will need the full name of the party along with the approximate date of the case and any other information that may assist in locating the file for you.
For both, include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a check or money order, payable to Colusa Superior Court. You may note your check “not to exceed $XX.00” and we will determine the actual cost based on your request and send a receipt back with your copies.
Yes. Anyone can review a case that has been filed with the court. In person at the Clerk's Office the entire file is viewable by the public except for any confidential information such as police reports, probation reports or any document deemed confidential under the law. Online, viewable information includes case type, case description, charges, filing date, events and dispositions.
If you were convicted of a non-motor vehicle related infraction, misdemeanor or felony and meet the guidelines listed in Penal Code 1203.4, you or an attorney can file a Petition per PC 1203.4a and Order for Petition per PC 1203.4a to have the charges dismissed from your record. These forms are located on the Judicial Council of California Forms section. Further information is available here or self-help can be located on the Judicial Council of California website.