Stanislaus County Court

County Resources

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Stanislaus County Court Information

The first Stanislaus County Courthouse was built in 1873 and was in use until the next county courthouse was completed in 1960. That courthouse was used until the current county courthouse in Modesto was finished in 2024.

Locations

Stanislaus County Superior Court
City Towers Courthouse (Civil)
Civil and Probate Division (Estates, Trusts and Conservatorships)
801 10th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 530-3100

Stanislaus County Superior Court
Juvenile Division
Department 17 and Department 18
2215 Blue Gum Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
(209) 530-3100

Stanislaus County Superior Court
Main Courthouse
800 11th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 530-3100

Stanislaus County Superior Court
Traffic Court
2260 Floyd Avenue
Modesto, CA 95355
(209) 530-3100

Stanislaus County Superior Court
Turlock Court (Small Claims & UD)
Turlock Division (Small Claims & Unlawful Detainers)
300 Starr Ave
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 530-3100

United States District Court
Eastern District of California
Robert E. Coyle Federal Courthouse
2500 Tulare Street, Room 1501
Fresno, CA 93721
559-499-5600

County Clerk

The County Clerk is an elected position in Stanislaus County. The Clerk also functions as the County Recorder. Duties include issuing marriage licenses and performing civil ceremonies, administering oaths of office, and maintaining many public records.

Donna Linder
Stanislaus County Clerk Recorder
1021 I Street, Suite 101
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 525-5250

Chief Executive Officer/Clerk of Court

The primary duty of the Clerk of Court is record-keeping for the Superior Court. This includes maintaining court dockets, managing court documents and records, and transcribing court sessions. The Clerk also assists the judges and other court staff, managing jury selections, and collecting payments for the court.

Hugh K. Swift
Court Executive Officer

United States District Court

Stanislaus County is part of the Eastern District of California for the United States District Court.

Troy L. Nunley is the Chief United States District Judge of the Eastern District of California. Keith Holland is the District Court Executive/Clerk of Court.

Superior Court

The Stanislaus County Superior Court is the general trial court. The legislature of California determines how many judges are in each court. Superior Court judges are elected to 6-year terms. In order to serve as a Superior Court judge, one must have practiced law in California or have served as a judge for at least 10 years.

Commissioners

Commissioners are judicial officers appointed by Superior Court judges. They have the authority to adjudicate cases and act as temporary judges. To be eligible to be appointed as a commissioner, one must be a member of the California State Bar for at least 10 years, or 5 years with a recommendation from the Presiding Judge.

Civil Court

Civil courts hear cases that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two people. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over all civil cases, both limited and unlimited. Limited cases are those involving $35,000 or less. Unlimited cases involve more than $35,000.

In Small Claims Court, the amount an individual can sue for is limited to $12,500. For a business, except for sole proprietors, that limit is $6,250.

Criminal Court

The Superior Court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases, whether felonies or misdemeanors.

Probate Court

Probate Court is focused on wills and estates and determines how a deceased person’s estate may be distributed. This court also hears cases involving guardianship and competency.

Family Court

The Family Division hears cases regarding domestic relations. This includes things like name changes, adoptions, domestic partnership, divorce, custody, paternity, custody visitation, and child/spousal support.

Juvenile Court

This court hears cases involving delinquency, dependency, and emancipation of those under age 18. Delinquency refers to criminal offenses. Dependency refers to truancy or cases where a child has been neglected or abused.

Veterans Court

Veterans Court is a specialty court designed to help veterans with mental health issues and/or substance abuse problems resulting from their military service. The program is designed to be 18 months long. Participants first must plead guilty in a criminal case. If they successfully complete the program, their charges may be dismissed.

Drug Court

Drug Court provides an opportunity for non-violent offenders charged with drug-related offenses. Participants must agree to follow all terms of the program. It includes drug and alcohol testing, mandatory counseling and substance abuse treatment, and regular court appearances. The program lasts 12-18 months.