Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled answers to the most common questions to help you prepare for your court visit.
Dress in a way that shows respect for the court and conveys seriousness and professionalism. Business casual attire is recommended. Do not wear anything that is inappropriate or disrespectful, such as being barefoot, in shorts, shirtless, in a tank top, or wearing sunglasses or a hat.
Know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there. If the court thinks you aren’t coming, the judge may decide without you. Make plans to arrive early.
Court may take all morning or afternoon, even all day. Prepare accordingly.
There is no free parking available in downtown Santa Barbara. The closest public parking garage with hourly rates is located in the corner of Figueroa and Anacapa Streets. 75-minute street parking is available around the courthouse.
There is limited free public parking available at the Court complex, in addition to street parking in the surrounding residential area and a parking structure at the shopping mall on Cook Street.
Free public parking is available in the Civic Center parking lot and along Cypress Avenue. Please see below map as the entrance for the public window and appearing in court/jury duty are separate.
As a matter of public safety, everyone entering any of the Santa Barbara Superior Court locations is required to pass through a weapons screening device and have all hand-carried objects x-rayed. Please see Court Security for a list of prohibited items.
Please visit the Court Interpreters page for information and instructions on how to request an interpreter.
You may pay in person, at any of our Court Locations. Personal Checks, Bank Cashier's Checks, Drafts or Money Orders, payable to the "Clerk of the Court" and Credit Cards (MasterCard and Visa) will be accepted by the Santa Barbara County Superior Court in payment of any fee, service charge, fine or bail deposit. If a check is returned for non-sufficient funds or "account closed", the payor must reimburse the Court with cash, or cashier's check plus a service fee for the actual cost as determined by consultation between the Court Administrator and the County Auditor's Office.
Visit Pay Traffic Tickets/Criminal Fines Online for information on how to pay for your ticket or fine online.
You can search for a case by name or case number through the Case Records Search portal.
See here for Santa Barbara Superior Court’s ADA accommodations.
Please see here how to request copies of court records.
Please see this list for available courtroom equipment.