Sierra County, California is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, towards the northeastern part of the state. It shares a border with the state of Nevada and is one of the least populous counties in California. In fact, the population density is so low that the county only contains one traffic light. 

The lack of residents and commercial zones makes it the perfect location for those who enjoy true outdoor living and activities, such as camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, and sightseeing. Its main attractions include the Sierra Hot Springs, the infamous Donner Pass and Memorial State Park, and the old Kentucky Mine stamp mill. 

The county is also well-known for its history of mining settlements and notable mines in which both gold and quartz have been discovered. 

Information on the Court System in Sierra County, California

Sierra County Superior Court oversees all matters for the county. Specifically, the single courthouse handles cases that fall under the following divisions:

• Small claims court;
• Traffic code violations;
• Juvenile dependency and delinquency issues;
• Probate and conservatorship;
• Family law matters; and 
• Of course, civil and criminal proceedings.

In addition, the courthouse also has a section dedicated to “problem solving”, which is called a collaborative justice court. Such courts are designed to resolve criminal cases by using rehabilitation services, as opposed to detention or incarceration. In other words, these courts provide alternative sentencing options for criminal defendants whose actions may have been caused by an underlying issue, such as substance abuse or a mental health disorder. 

Specifically, Sierra County established the Sierra County Drug Court (SCDC) for non-violent drug-related offenses. Defendants who are sentenced by this court must complete a five-phase program, which includes requirements like attending counseling sessions and random drug testing. Defendants who successfully complete this program typically will either have their charges dismissed or their probation period terminated. 

Find a Sierra County Lawyer

If you are involved in a legal dispute or are facing criminal charges in Sierra County, you should speak to a Sierra County lawyer for further legal advice about the matter.  

An experienced Sierra County lawyer can assist you with many important tasks, including determining whether you have a viable claim, explaining how local laws may affect your case, helping you to prepare and file your case, and providing representation on your behalf in court.

Finding the right lawyer to take on your case can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you are not sure where to look for a lawyer or do not know what type of lawyer you need, LegalMatch is a great resource you can use to connect you with one.  

By registering for free on our website, you can expect to be matched with a lawyer who is conveniently located within your jurisdiction, specializes in the field of law required to handle your case, and is available to start working on your matter immediately.