Criminal Defense in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County, your case is heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. 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 San José, 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, theft charges, or DUI.
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 Santa Clara County are heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara (criminal division), with the principal criminal court in San José. The Santa Clara 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. Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County?
- The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, with the principal criminal court in San José. 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 Santa Clara County?
- The Santa Clara County District Attorney prosecutes most charges. If you can't afford an attorney, the Santa Clara County Public Defender may be appointed to represent you.
- Is a theft charge a misdemeanor or felony in Santa Clara County?
- It depends on the value and circumstances — many theft offenses are 'wobblers' that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Either way the case is heard in the county Superior Court; see our statewide theft guide for how the law applies.