Criminal Defense in Sacramento 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 Sacramento County, your case is heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento. 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 principal criminal court sits in Sacramento, and the county runs more than one courthouse. A felony may be arraigned at one location and proceed elsewhere depending on where the offense is charged, so confirm your assigned courthouse 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 theft 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 Sacramento County are heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento (criminal division), with the principal criminal court in Sacramento. The Sacramento 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. Sacramento County runs more than one courthouse, 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 Sacramento County?
- The Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, with the principal criminal court in Sacramento. The county runs more than one courthouse, so your location depends on where the offense is charged — verify on the court's official website.
- Who prosecutes criminal cases in Sacramento County?
- The Sacramento County District Attorney prosecutes most charges. If you can't afford an attorney, the Sacramento County Public Defender may be appointed to represent you.
- What does it mean if my charge is a 'wobbler' in Sacramento County?
- A wobbler is an offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts and the prosecutor's decision. Either way the case is heard in the county Superior Court — our criminal process guide explains the stages.