Criminal Defense in San Diego 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 San Diego County, your case is heard in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. 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 large and runs multiple courthouses, with the principal criminal court in San Diego. 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 drug 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 San Diego County are heard in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego (criminal division), with the principal criminal court in San Diego. The San Diego 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. San Diego County is large and runs multiple courthouses, 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 San Diego County?
- The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, with the principal criminal court in San Diego. The county runs multiple courthouses, so your location depends on where the offense is charged — verify on the court's official website.
- Who prosecutes criminal cases in San Diego County?
- The San Diego County District Attorney prosecutes most charges. If you can't afford an attorney, the San Diego County Public Defender may be appointed to represent you.
- What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in San Diego County?
- California classifies crimes as infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, and some offenses are 'wobblers' that can be charged either way. All of them are heard in the county Superior Court — our criminal process guide explains the stages.