Butte County Courthouse Guide

Butte County Superior Court at a Glance

Butte County has two courthouses, and the difference between them matters more here than in most counties. This page covers where criminal cases are actually heard, how to get there, and what to expect. It is written by the Law Office of Tony Carlos as a free local resource. We are a private law firm and are not affiliated with the Butte County Superior Court.

Criminal Cases Are Heard in Oroville — Not Chico

This is the single most useful thing to know about Butte County. The Criminal Division sits at the Butte County Courthouse in Oroville and handles misdemeanor and felony matters for the entire county. The North Butte County Courthouse in Chico handles civil, family law, probate, traffic, mediation and jury matters — but not criminal.

If you live in Chico, Paradise, or anywhere in the north of the county, your criminal case is still in Oroville. Going to the Chico courthouse because it is closer is a wasted trip and, if it makes you late, a missed appearance. A missed appearance can mean a bench warrant.

Getting to the Oroville Courthouse

From Marysville and the Yuba-Sutter area, travel north on Highway 70 to Oroville and take the third Oroville exit at Nelson and Grand Avenues. Continue straight from the end of the off-ramp, turn right onto Nelson Avenue at the stop sign, then left onto County Center Drive. Continue to the top of the hill and turn left on Court Street.

Parking is free. There are two public lots on the south side of the courthouse. Wheelchair access ramps are at the main entrance, and other accommodations can be requested at the Court Clerk's Office.

Remote Appearances

Butte County publishes separate remote appearance procedures for criminal and traffic matters. Whether you may appear remotely depends on the type of hearing, and the court's rules are the authority. Do not assume a remote appearance is allowed for your date — confirm it with the Criminal Division at (530) 532-7011, or have your attorney confirm it, before you skip an in-person appearance.

What Happens at a Criminal Arraignment

The arraignment is usually your first court appearance. It is short, but it sets the direction of the case. The judge will advise you of the charges the District Attorney has filed and of your constitutional rights, take your plea, address bail or release on your own recognizance, and set your next dates.

What happens with bail and release conditions at this first hearing affects your job, your family, and how much leverage you have for the rest of the case. You have the right to an attorney at every stage, including arraignment. If you cannot afford one, ask the court to appoint counsel.

Before Your Court Date

• Go to Oroville. One Court Street. Criminal matters are not heard at the Chico courthouse, no matter where in the county you live.
• Note the closing time. The clerk's office closes at 4:00 PM, earlier than many California courts. Do not plan a late-afternoon errand there.
• Allow travel time from the Yuba-Sutter area. Oroville is a substantial drive north on Highway 70. Leave margin for traffic and for parking and screening.
• Bring your paperwork and photo ID. Your citation, bail paperwork, or anything the court has mailed you.
• Dress respectfully. You do not need a suit, but avoid shorts, tank tops, hats, and clothing with offensive graphics.

Missed Your Court Date?

If you fail to appear, the judge can issue a bench warrant, and in many cases the failure to appear is itself a new criminal charge. Warrants do not expire. They surface at the worst possible moment — a traffic stop, a background check, a border crossing. An attorney can often move to recall the warrant and get the matter back on calendar, sometimes without you being taken into custody. Deal with it on your terms rather than waiting to be arrested.

Phone numbers, hours and procedures change. Verify anything you are relying on against the court's official website before you act on it.

Charged in Butte County?

Tony Carlos is a criminal defense attorney and a former Sutter County Deputy District Attorney. His office at 506 Second St in Yuba City is south of Oroville on Highway 70, and he takes criminal matters in Butte County. If you have an arraignment, a bench warrant, or pending charges there, call (530) 645-2551. Se habla español.

Frequently Asked Questions