Judge Peter L. Gallagher

San Diego Superior Court Judge Peter L. Gallagher Retires

February 2, 2023

The Honorable Peter L. Gallagher recently completed his last day on the San Diego Superior Court bench, ending a more than 20-year career as a judge, most of which was spent presiding over criminal trials. He was first elected to the position in 2002 and was sworn into office in January 2003.

Court closure

San Diego Superior Court Closed February 13 & 20, 2023

February 2, 2023

The San Diego Superior Court will be closed on Monday, February 13 and Monday, February 20, 2023, in observance of the statewide holidays commemorating Lincoln’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day.

The public is urged to visit the Court’s website at sdcourt.ca.gov to handle traffic tickets or obtain court information.

Grand Jury Recruitment - Deadline Extended

San Diego County Grand Jury Application Period Extended

January 18, 2023

The San Diego Superior Court is extending the application period for those wanting to serve on the County Grand Jury to February 3, 2023, to encourage additional citizens from throughout the county to apply. Less than half of the expected number of applications have been received to date.

The Grand Jury investigates citizen complaints and performs its traditional function as a “watchdog” over government agencies. It does not conduct criminal investigations.

Court Services Update

North County Courthouse in Vista Closed Today, Thursday, January 12, 2023

January 12, 2023

Due to an unexpected power outage, the North County Courthouse in Vista is closed  Thursday, January 12, 2023. The courthouse will  re-open Friday, January 13.

All hearings were canceled for Thursday, January 12, and will be re-scheduled. Notices will be sent out to parties with the re-scheduled date.

 

Judge Laura W. Halgren

San Diego Superior Court Judge Laura W. Halgren Retires

January 11, 2023

The Honorable Laura W. Halgren recently completed her last day on the San Diego Superior Court bench, capping more than 20 years as a judge with assignments across criminal, civil, and family courts. Much of Judge Halgren’s time was spent in the criminal courts including trials, sentencings, and the unique experience of overseeing a criminal calendar during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote appearances were coordinated for defendants to handle courtroom matters without leaving the jails.

Court closure

San Diego Superior Court Closed Monday, January 16, 2023

January 3, 2023

In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. statewide holiday, the San Diego Superior Court will close all courtrooms and business offices on Monday, January 16, 2023.

The public is urged to visit the Court’s website at sdcourt.ca.gov to handle traffic tickets or obtain court information. 

 

Court closure

San Diego Superior Court Closed Monday, December 26, 2022 and Monday, January 2, 2023

December 14, 2022

In observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day statewide holidays, the San Diego Superior Court will close all courtrooms and business offices on Monday, December 26, 2022 and Monday, January 2, 2023.

All courtrooms and business offices will provide normal business hours on the days surrounding the holidays.

COVID-19 Update

Information Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Court Operations

November 30, 2022

The San Diego Superior Court has restored additional in-person access following updated state and local public health guidance that allows for the relaxing of certain COVID-19 safety protocols. Public access has generally reverted to pre-pandemic levels while many of the recently introduced online and remote options remain available.

In accordance with state and local public health guidance, facial coverings are optional, but recommended, for all individuals. Face coverings may be required, regardless of vaccination status, in some areas within the courthouses. 

Apply Now to the Juvenile Justice Committee

Juvenile Justice Commission Seeks Applicants

November 18, 2022

The San Diego Superior Court is seeking applicants to serve on the San Diego County Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC). The Juvenile Justice Commission is a state-mandated, court-appointed citizens’ commission.

Court closure

San Diego Superior Court Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

November 15, 2022

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the San Diego Superior Court will close all courtrooms and business offices on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25, 2022.

The public is urged to visit the Court’s website at sdcourt.ca.gov to handle traffic tickets or obtain court information. 

 

Grand Jury Recruitment

San Diego County Grand Jury Looking for New Applicants

November 8, 2022

The San Diego Superior Court is now seeking dedicated residents with sound judgment from throughout the county to serve on the 2023/2024 San Diego County Grand Jury. The Grand Jury investigates citizen complaints and performs its traditional function as a “watchdog” over government agencies. It does not conduct criminal investigations.

Judge Bostwick retirement

San Diego Superior Court Judge Jeffrey S. Bostwick Retires

November 4, 2022

The Honorable Jeffrey S. Bostwick recently completed his last day on the San Diego Superior Court bench and will officially retire in the coming months. His San Diego Superior Court career crosses more than 25 years between his service beginning as a commissioner in 1997 and his first election to a Superior Court judge seat in 2002.

Court closure

San Diego Superior Court Closed Friday, November 11, 2022

October 31, 2022

In observance of the Veterans Day statewide holiday, the San Diego Superior Court will close all courtrooms and business offices on Friday, November 11, 2022.

The public is urged to visit the Court’s website at sdcourt.ca.gov to handle traffic tickets or obtain court information. 

Court closure

San Diego Superior Court Closed Friday, September 23, 2022

September 13, 2022

In observance of the California Native American Day statewide holiday, the San Diego Superior Court will close all courtrooms and business offices on Friday, September 23, 2022.

The public is urged to visit the Court’s website at sdcourt.ca.gov to handle traffic tickets or obtain court information. 

Court closure

San Diego Superior Court Closed Monday, September 5, 2022

August 24, 2022

In observance of the Labor Day statewide holiday, the San Diego Superior Court will close all courtrooms and business offices on Monday, September 5, 2022.

The public is urged to visit the Court’s website at sdcourt.ca.gov to handle traffic tickets or obtain court information. 

Court Services Update

Traffic, Family & Small Claims Online Applications Unavailable This Weekend

August 17, 2022

The San Diego Superior Court’s Odyssey case management system will not be available beginning on Friday, Aug. 19 at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 21 at 5:00 p.m. to allow for Small Claims cases to be converted to the Odyssey case management system.

The following online services are affected:

Website Unavailable Due to Maintenance

San Diego Superior Court Planned Website Outage - Friday, August 5, 6-9 p.m.

August 3, 2022

The San Diego Superior Court's Family Register of Actions and Traffic Payment Portal will not be available due to maintenance on Friday, August 5 from 6-9 p.m.

SD Superior Court Central Courthouse

San Diego Resident to Lead the 2022-2023 San Diego County Civil Grand Jury

July 29, 2022

Ed Lopatin was selected to serve as the foreperson of the 2022-2023 San Diego County Grand Jury, which started service on July 1, 2022.

Lopatin draws from his background as an audit manager and finance director with the City and County of San Francisco as he assumes this role with the Grand Jury. Lopatin is the author of three books and is an actor performing in San Diego community theaters.

Public Notice

Reduced Civil Assessment Fees in Effect for Criminal and Traffic Cases at the San Diego Superior Court

July 28, 2022

With Assembly Bill (AB) 199 enacted into law and effective July 1, 2022, the San Diego Superior Court has reduced civil assessment fees added to criminal and traffic cases and removed outstanding civil assessments imposed prior to July 1, 2022.

Court closure

San Diego Superior Court - Closed Monday, July 4, 2022

June 20, 2022

The San Diego Superior Court will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2022, in observance of the courtwide holiday commemorating Independence Day.

The public is urged to visit the Court’s website at sdcourt.ca.gov to handle traffic tickets or obtain court information.