Criminal Defense in Riverside County
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Riverside County, your case is heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside. California unified its trial courts, so infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies are all handled there — the District Attorney prosecutes, and the Public Defender represents those who can’t afford counsel.
The county is geographically large and runs courthouses in several cities, with the principal criminal court in Riverside. A felony may be arraigned at one courthouse and proceed elsewhere depending on where the offense is charged, so confirm your assigned location on the court’s official website. California classifies crimes as infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, and some offenses are “wobblers” that can be charged either way.
The local court decides where your case is heard; the substantive law lives in our statewide guides. Start with the California criminal defense hub, then read about the criminal process, DUI, or assault charges.
A criminal charge moves fast, and early steps matter. To get matched with a local criminal-defense attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Local criminal court
Court: Criminal cases in Riverside County are heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside (criminal division), with the principal criminal court in Riverside. The Riverside County District Attorney prosecutes the charges.
California unified its trial courts, so all criminal matters — infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies — are handled in the county Superior Court rather than any separate municipal court. Riverside County is geographically large and runs courthouses in several cities, so a felony may be arraigned at one location and proceed elsewhere depending on where the offense is charged. Confirm your assigned courthouse, hours, and filing steps on the court's official website before you appear.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Which court hears my criminal case in Riverside County?
- The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, with the principal criminal court in Riverside. The county is large and runs courthouses in several cities, so your location depends on where the offense is charged — verify on the court's official website.
- Who prosecutes criminal cases in Riverside County?
- The Riverside County District Attorney prosecutes most charges. If you can't afford an attorney, the Riverside County Public Defender may be appointed to represent you.
- Where is a felony case handled in Riverside County?
- Felonies are heard in the Riverside County Superior Court, often beginning with arraignment and a preliminary hearing at one courthouse before proceeding elsewhere. Confirm your assigned location on the court's official website.