Central Justice Center Santa Ana: Court Guide for Criminal Defendants

Central Justice Center — 700 W Civic Center Dr

The Central Justice Center (CJC) at 700 W Civic Center Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92701 is Orange County\'s main criminal courthouse. It is part of the Santa Ana Civic Center complex, directly across from the Orange County District Attorney\'s Office at 401 W Civic Center Dr.

Hours of Operation

• Days: Monday through Friday (closed weekends and court holidays)
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Security opens: Approximately 7:30 AM
• Recommendation: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing. Security lines can be long, especially on Monday mornings.

What Cases Are Heard Here?

CJC handles felony and misdemeanor cases from Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, and overflow from other areas. This includes:

• DUI cases (VC 23152, VC 23153)
• Drug crimes (HS 11350, HS 11351, HS 11377, HS 11378)
• Domestic violence (PC 273.5, PC 243(e)(1))
• Assault and battery (PC 240, PC 242, PC 245)
• Theft crimes (PC 484, PC 487, PC 459)
• Weapons charges (PC 25400, PC 29800)
• Murder and serious felonies (PC 187, PC 211)

Court Departments

Central Justice Center has multiple departments handling different case types:

• Arraignment courts — Initial appearances, bail hearings
• Felony trial departments — Preliminary hearings, felony trials
• Misdemeanor courts — DUI, petty theft, simple assault
• Specialty courts — Drug court, mental health court, veterans court

Check your court notice carefully for the correct department number.

Parking Tips

• Civic Center Parking Structure: Located on Ross Street, just south of the courthouse. This is the closest option but fills up quickly. Rates are typically $10-15 per day.
• Street parking: Metered parking is available on Civic Center Dr and surrounding streets. Meters are strictly enforced—don\'t risk a ticket.
• Private lots: Several private parking lots are within walking distance on Broadway and Main Street.
• Recommendation: Arrive by 7:30 AM for best parking. Consider rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to avoid parking stress.

What to Bring

• Valid photo ID (driver\'s license, passport, or state ID)
• Your court paperwork (notice to appear, bail bond documents)
• Do NOT bring weapons, knives, or prohibited items—you will be turned away

Security Screening

All visitors pass through metal detectors and bag screening. Remove belts, jewelry, and items from pockets. Cell phones are allowed but must be silenced in court.

The Orange County District Attorney\'s Office

The Orange County District Attorney\'s Office at 401 W Civic Center Dr is directly across from Central Justice Center. All criminal cases in Santa Ana are prosecuted by this office. Having an attorney who knows the OC DA\'s filing practices and prosecutors is a significant advantage.

Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Our office at 1717 North Broadway, Santa Ana is just minutes from the Central Justice Center. Steven A. Alexander has appeared at this courthouse thousands of times over 30+ years. Contact us for a free consultation.