Criminal Court

Riverside County CA Criminal Court cases are handled through the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, at designated courthouses in Riverside, Banning, Blythe, Indio, and Murrieta. People dealing with a criminal case may need to confirm where to appear, review case information, understand arraignment procedures, make an authorized fine payment, request court records or transcripts, address an outstanding warrant, or file documents at the courthouse assigned to the case. The information below explains these court services and procedures using Riverside Superior Court requirements and published local rules.

Riverside County Criminal Court

The Riverside Superior Court handles felony and misdemeanor criminal proceedings through its Criminal Division. The court's Criminal Court division page provides information about court appearances, arraignments, warrants, bail refunds, fine payments, appointed counsel, criminal records, and the courthouse locations that hear criminal matters.

A felony case involves at least one felony charge, although misdemeanor or infraction violations may also be included in the same case. The maximum punishment for a felony may include imprisonment in state prison or county jail, a fine, or both. A misdemeanor criminal case contains misdemeanor charges and may include an infraction, but it does not include a felony violation. According to the court, the maximum punishment for misdemeanor violations is no more than six months, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.

The distinction matters when reviewing a case because online record availability, court procedures, bail requirements, and courtroom assignments can depend on the type of criminal proceeding and the courthouse responsible for the case.

Where Criminal Cases Are Heard

The Criminal Division identifies five Riverside County court locations for criminal cases: Riverside, Banning, Blythe, Indio at the Larson Justice Center, and Murrieta at the Southwest Justice Center. A person should rely on the courthouse shown on the release paperwork, arraignment letter, court notice, or other official case documents rather than choosing a courthouse based only on convenience.

Riverside Superior Court Local Rule 4001 provides additional filing guidance. Criminal complaints, indictments, notices to appear that constitute complaints, and other documents beginning a criminal proceeding are filed at the courthouse designated by the court's administrative filing order. Filing location is generally based on the ZIP Code where the alleged crime occurred or, when an applicable statute governs venue differently, the ZIP Code associated with the relevant event.

Once a criminal case has been filed at a specified courthouse, later documents connected with that case are generally filed at the same courthouse. If the case is transferred, subsequent documents are filed at the courthouse receiving the transferred case. Criminal proceedings are ordinarily heard where they were filed or at another courthouse within the same geographical region, although the court may assign a proceeding elsewhere for good cause or efficient use of court resources.

Preparing for a Court Appearance

Misdemeanor cases, felony cases, and warrants require a court appearance according to the Criminal Division. The court states that extensions are not granted for these mandatory appearances. Defendants are expected to appear on the date and at the time directed on their release paper or arraignment letter.

When arriving at the courthouse, check the posted court calendar for the defendant's name and assigned courtroom. If the name appears, go directly to that courtroom. If it does not appear, report to the Criminal Clerk's Office.

The court advises defendants to be prepared to provide identification and information relating to the arrest or alleged offense. Depending on the case, relevant paperwork may include:

Jail release paperwork.
A notice to appear.
Bail or bond receipts.
An arraignment letter.

The court's criminal process FAQs reinforce that a defendant must appear when a case has been filed. A clerk cannot simply grant a continuance or extension for a criminal case; the defendant or the defendant's attorney must appear in court to request one.

Courtroom Rules and Security

Criminal courtroom appearances are subject to courthouse security and courtroom conduct requirements. The Criminal Division requires shirts and shoes and states that tank tops and T-shirts are not allowed in the courtroom. Food, drinks, and gum are prohibited, weapons are not allowed in the courthouse, and cell phones must be turned off.

The court's courthouse information also identifies numerous items that cannot be brought into court buildings, including firearms, ammunition, knives, razors, box cutters, certain tools, tear gas, mace, pepper gas, handcuffs, laser pointers, controlled substances, and other objects considered a safety concern. Each judicial officer also has authority concerning electronic devices in the courtroom.

What Happens at Arraignment

The arraignment is the defendant's first court appearance. At this hearing, a judicial officer informs the defendant or the defendant's attorney of the alleged charges and constitutional rights. The defendant or attorney is also provided a copy of the accusatory pleading.

The defendant or attorney then enters a plea. The Riverside Superior Court describes the principal pleas as follows:

Not guilty: The defendant states that they did not commit the crime, and the matter is set for a future hearing.

Guilty: The defendant admits committing the crime.

No contest: The defendant does not contest the charge. The court states that this has the same effect as a guilty plea except that the conviction cannot be used against the defendant in a civil suit.

Requesting Appointed Counsel

A defendant who wants representation but cannot afford an attorney may ask the judge for court-appointed counsel at the arraignment. If the court determines that the defendant qualifies, an attorney will be appointed.

When counsel is appointed, the court may also determine whether the defendant has the ability to pay for some or all of the services. If the court finds that the defendant has the ability to pay, it may order payment of all or part of the cost. The court states that such an order has the same force and effect as a civil judgment.

Missing a Required Appearance

Failure to appear can create significant additional problems in a criminal case. If a defendant does not appear as required, the court may forfeit bail or bond, issue a warrant, suspend the defendant's driver's license, allege an additional failure-to-appear violation, or impose an additional $100 assessment under Penal Code Section 1214.1. A failure-to-appear violation can also result in an additional jail term, a fine, or both.

Because criminal appearances are mandatory in the circumstances identified by the court, defendants should not assume that a clerk can move an appearance date by telephone or through an informal request.

Outstanding Criminal Warrants

The Criminal Division states that all warrants require a mandatory court appearance. A person appearing on a warrant must report to the Criminal Division that ordered the warrant by 7:30 a.m.

Local Rule 4040 provides more detail about adding cases with outstanding warrants to the calendar. Initial arraignment matters are heard at the location where the defendant was cited or ordered to appear. A defendant with open cases at multiple court locations may appear at a location where at least one open case exists.

Probation Violation Warrants

If a warrant is outstanding for a violation of probation, the defendant or attorney may check in with the Clerk's Office to be added to that day's calendar. The local rule sets a 7:30 a.m. check-in time for the identified criminal court locations in the Desert, Mid-County, and Western regions.

Other Outstanding Warrants

If a warrant was issued for a reason other than a probation violation, the courthouse calendars the matter for the earliest available court day. The defendant or attorney must complete the court's Request to Calendar form, Form OTS01.

The court's Local Forms page is the official source for Riverside Superior Court local forms used in criminal proceedings.

Searching Criminal Court Records

Riverside Superior Court provides online Public Access for available criminal case information. The Search Court Records service is designed to provide public access to case data without requiring a courthouse visit.

The online system is not the official court record. The court warns that information may contain errors or omissions and does not guarantee its correctness or completeness. A person who needs an official certified court record must request the specific documents from the court in person or in writing.

Criminal Records Available Online

Availability depends on courthouse region and case type. The court lists the following criminal case date ranges:

Riverside felony cases from January 1990 to the present.
Riverside misdemeanor cases from January 1994 to the present.
Banning felony cases from November 1996 to the present.
Banning misdemeanor cases from November 1996 to the present.
Mid-County felony and misdemeanor cases from December 1996 to the present.
Indio felony cases from May 1990 to the present.
Misdemeanor cases for Blythe, Indio, and Palm Springs from September 1993 to the present.

If an expected case does not appear, the record may fall outside the online date range or may have been purged from the database. Riverside Superior Court routinely purges records under Government Code Section 68152. A court-conducted search can also be requested, but that search provides case number information found by the court; it is not a request for copies of documents or complete case files.

Name Search Costs

The Public Access service charges credits for online name searches. Published pricing is $1 for one name, $3.50 for up to five names, $5 for up to 10 names, $25 for up to 75 names, and $250 for unlimited self-service name searches for 30 days. A court-performed name search costs $15 per name.

For online document purchases, the published charge is $1 per page for the first five pages and $0.50 for each additional page, with a $50 cap per document. Certified copies must be obtained through the appropriate courthouse.

Checking Criminal Court Calendars

Riverside Superior Court publishes daily court calendars online. Its Court Calendars page includes criminal calendars, and the eCalendar system covers Criminal, Traffic, and Probate courthouse locations.

Department calendars can be viewed for the current day and the next three business days. A defendant appearing in person should still follow the Criminal Division's instruction to check the posted calendar at the courthouse for the assigned courtroom. If the defendant's name does not appear on the courthouse calendar, the defendant should report to the Criminal Clerk's Office rather than leaving the courthouse.

In-Custody Criminal Hearings

The court states that persons in custody may be held for 48 hours, excluding weekends and court holidays. Published in-custody hearing schedules differ by courthouse.

In Riverside, misdemeanor cases, felony drug cases, felony and misdemeanor domestic violence cases, and felony non-drug cases are heard at 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In Indio, misdemeanor cases, felony drug cases, and felony non-drug cases are also heard at 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Murrieta follows the same published 1:30 p.m. weekday schedule for misdemeanor, felony drug, and felony non-drug cases.

Banning misdemeanor and felony cases are heard at 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In Blythe, misdemeanor and felony arraignments are scheduled at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, misdemeanor cases at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, and felony cases at 8:30 a.m. Thursdays.

The Criminal Division's FAQs state that friends and other visitors cannot speak with an in-custody defendant in the courtroom. Visitation must instead be arranged through the jail facility.

Paying Criminal Court Fines

Criminal fines are due on the date set by the court. A defendant may use the court's Traffic and Criminal Fine payment page to access online payment services when eligible.

For criminal cases, online payments may be made after the defendant has pleaded guilty and established a payment arrangement. The criminal case number is required for the online transaction. The court also permits payment by mail, in person, or by phone.

Accepted payment forms include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards carrying a Visa or Mastercard logo, personal checks, money orders, traveler's checks, and cashier's checks. Checks and money orders must be payable to the Riverside Superior Court, and the case number should be included so the payment can be credited to the correct case. Checks must be preprinted with the maker's name and address.

Cash is accepted only for in-person court payments and must not be mailed. People paying by mail should use the Payment Processing Center included in the final office list below.

Payment Plans

A defendant who has already pleaded guilty and established a payment arrangement may also make a criminal fine payment by phone with a valid credit card. The Criminal FAQs state that the court does not provide electronic withdrawal for payments made to the court.

A person seeking to establish a payment installment plan should use the Enhanced Collections process identified by the Criminal Division rather than assuming that making a partial payment automatically creates an installment agreement.

Bail Schedules and Refunds

Riverside Superior Court publishes its Fee and Bail Schedules, including a Felony and Misdemeanor Bail Schedule.

Cash bail refunds are processed automatically when ordered by the court. The Criminal Division states that a refund generally takes approximately six to eight weeks from the date of the court order. Riverside Superior Court mails the refund check to the depositor named on the bail receipt, and the check is made payable to that depositor.

If a defendant who posted a bail bond fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance, Local Rule 4020 provides that the judicial officer orders issuance of a bench warrant and forfeiture of the bail bond. Court procedures for reinstatement, exoneration, or other relief from a forfeiture are governed by the applicable rules and court orders.

Criminal Documents and Filings

Local Rule 4001 requires subsequent documents in a criminal case to be filed at the courthouse assigned to that case unless the matter has been transferred. This is a useful distinction for anyone dealing with multiple Riverside County courthouse locations: the courthouse nearest to the filer is not necessarily the courthouse where a criminal filing belongs.

Self-represented litigants may visit a self-help center at any county court location for assistance determining the proper courthouse for filing documents. The rule addresses filing location but does not change a court order requiring a particular appearance or filing procedure.

Local Criminal Motion Rules

Title 4 of the Riverside Superior Court Local Rules contains criminal filing and motion requirements. Among other provisions, criminal law and motion memoranda of points and authorities generally may not exceed 10 pages, excluding notices, declarations, evidentiary attachments, and exhibits, unless the court grants permission after an ex parte application supported by an attorney declaration showing good cause.

Other local rules address bail modifications, warrants, misdemeanor appearances through counsel, requests to add cases to calendar, Veterans Court referrals, speedy trial motions, motions under Penal Code Section 995, petitions to seal and destroy arrest records, and expungement petitions.

Requesting Court Transcripts

A person who needs a transcript of court proceedings can use the Riverside Superior Court's Court Transcript Request Application. A transcript request is different from searching online case information or purchasing an available document through Public Access. The transcript process concerns the record of court proceedings, while Public Access provides available case data and electronic documents.

Cleaning Up Criminal Records

The court provides procedures for certain post-conviction record matters, including expungement. An expungement can reopen a criminal case, set aside a conviction, and dismiss the case. The court makes clear, however, that the expungement itself continues to appear on the record and does not remove the fact that an arrest occurred or that charges were filed.

A successful expungement also does not prevent a conviction from being considered in future criminal proceedings, does not necessarily prevent DMV consequences, and does not remove firearm ownership or possession prohibitions resulting from the conviction. Riverside Superior Court provides its official Expungement information and forms guidance for people reviewing this process.

Expungement Filing Requirements

Local Rule 4082 requires petitions for dismissal under Penal Code sections 1203.4 or 1203.4a to be served on the District Attorney. Proof of service must be filed with the Clerk's Office at the time the petition is filed.

If more than 10 years have passed since disposition of the case, or more than five years for a misdemeanor, or if the case has been destroyed under Government Code sections 68152 and 68153, the petitioner must provide evidence supporting the request for relief along with the petition.

Cannabis Record Removal

Certain records involving cannabis arrests or convictions are subject to destruction within two years of the offense under Health and Safety Code Section 11361.5. The court identifies local form RI-CR091 for Cannabis Records Removal and RI-CR092 as the related information sheet. A person who believes a qualifying court record remains publicly available may notify the court through the designated local form or online notification process.

Getting Criminal Court Assistance

Riverside Superior Court provides web chat for criminal matters. Court Web Chat is available from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays or closure days, and the court chatbot is available 24 hours a day.

The web chat service does not accept attachments. Documents sent through chat are discarded. This means chat should not be treated as a filing method. Court staff can use the service to provide assistance with criminal court questions, while documents must be submitted through the appropriate court filing process.

People attending court who need language assistance should not rely on a friend to translate information to the judge. The Criminal FAQs state that a court interpreter will be available to assist with language translation.

Criminal Court Offices

Riverside Hall of Justice
4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 777-3147
Banning Justice Center
311 E. Ramsey Street, Banning, CA 92220
(951) 777-3147
Blythe Courthouse
265 N. Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225
(760) 393-2617
Larson Justice Center
46-200 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201
(760) 393-2617
Southwest Justice Center
30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563
(951) 777-3147
Payment Processing Center
505 S. Buena Vista Ave. #201, Corona, CA 92882

Criminal Court FAQs

Can a lawyer handle a misdemeanor arraignment without me?

In some misdemeanor cases, private counsel may enter a not-guilty plea and obtain future trial dates without the defendant personally appearing. Riverside Superior Court Local Rule 4025 allows a counter or facsimile arraignment only when specific requirements are met. It is not available when there is an outstanding warrant and is excluded for certain offenses, including specified domestic violence, sex-related, child abuse, and repeat DUI charges. Counsel must submit the required waiver and release documents before the deadline stated in the rule. Review the court's criminal local rules before relying on this procedure.

Can sentencing happen while a misdemeanor defendant is absent?

Possibly, but an attorney cannot simply appear and accept judgment without authorization. Under Local Rule 4045, the defendant and attorney must execute a declaration addressing the charges, waiver of the defendant's presence, constitutional rights, the intended plea, and applicable sentencing matters. When probation is part of a proposed sentence, additional written acknowledgment of the probation terms may be required. The judge must be satisfied that the defendant knowingly authorized the plea and waiver.

How is a bail reduction requested?

A request to increase or reduce bail is generally presented to the judge who originally set bail. The defendant's attorney, a self-represented defendant, or the District Attorney may make the request. Bail set ex parte may be modified by the judge handling the arraignment. Required Riverside court forms can be checked through the official Local Forms page.

Is sealing an arrest record the same as expungement?

No. Riverside Superior Court treats a petition to seal and destroy arrest records as a separate procedure. Local Rule 4080 states that a request under Penal Code section 851.8 must use the court's designated Petition to Seal and Destroy Arrest Records form. Someone seeking this relief should use the applicable form and requirements for arrest-record sealing rather than filing an expungement petition intended for dismissal of a conviction.