Do you have a court date coming up in Sacramento?
A first trip to Sacramento criminal court can feel overwhelming. You may not know which building to go to, what to wear or what happens if you run late.
Knowing the practical details ahead of time can make the day easier. Here is what to expect when you have a criminal court date in Sacramento County.
Which Sacramento criminal court handles your case?
Most adult criminal cases in Sacramento County are now heard at the Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento County Courthouse. It is at 500 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, in the Railyards area north of downtown.
The Sacramento Superior Court moved its criminal courtrooms to this building in April 2026. According to the court, all courtrooms and criminal operations moved there as of April 27, 2026.
As a result, the court now lists the old Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse as closed.
Public entry to the new courthouse is at the corner of 5th and G streets. The court lists the ADA ramp at the corner of 6th and G streets.
Some older notices, citations or bail papers may still name the Schaber Courthouse or the Hall of Justice. If your paperwork names an old location, call the court or your lawyer to confirm where to go.
What about traffic misdemeanors?
Traffic cases follow a different path. The Carol Miller Justice Center at 301 Bicentennial Circle, Sacramento, CA 95826 hears traffic infractions and adult traffic misdemeanors. That includes arraignments, pretrial hearings and trials for those cases.
Most DUI cases go to the main courthouse at 500 G Street. Some other alcohol related charges can go to Carol Miller, so check your notice. If police gave you a DUI citation and you are not sure where to appear, our post on DUI arraignments in Sacramento explains the first hearing.
How do you find your department number?
Every courtroom has a department number. You can usually find it on one of these documents:
- Your citation or notice to appear, if police released you with a ticket
- Bail bond paperwork
- Release papers from the jail
- A minute order, which is the court’s written record of what happened at your last hearing
If you can’t find a department number, the court’s criminal public counter can help. A lawyer can also look up your case and confirm the date, time and courtroom before you go.
What should you bring to criminal court?
A little preparation goes a long way. Bring:
- A government photo ID
- Your citation, notice to appear or release papers
- Any letter or notice you received from the court
- Proof of anything you were told to complete, such as class certificates
- Your lawyer’s name and phone number
- A pen and a few sheets of paper to write down the next date
Leave weapons, pocket knives, pepper spray and similar items at home. Every visitor goes through security screening at the entrance. Security may hold you up or keep items that are not allowed.
What should you wear to a Sacramento court date?
There is no formal dress code, but the judge will see you. Clean, simple clothes show respect for the court. Think of what you might wear to a job interview.
Good choices include slacks or a skirt, a collared shirt or blouse and closed shoes. Avoid shorts, tank tops, hats and clothes with slogans or images. If you wear a hat, plan to take it off inside the courtroom.
How early should you arrive?
Plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled time. Security lines can be long, especially on Monday mornings. Finding parking and the right floor also takes time.
Once you find your department, check in with the courtroom clerk or bailiff if they ask you to. Then sit quietly and wait until the clerk or judge calls your name. Turn off your phone or set it to silent before you enter.
What happens if you are late or miss your court date?
Missing court is serious. In many cases, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. A bench warrant is a warrant the judge issues from the courtroom, often because a person did not appear.
Missing court on purpose can also be a new crime. Under Penal Code 1320, a person released on their own recognizance who willfully fails to appear to avoid the court’s process can be charged.
It is a misdemeanor in a misdemeanor case and a felony in a felony case. The law presumes intent to evade if the person willfully fails to appear within 14 days of the court date.
“Own recognizance” means you were released on your written promise to come back, without posting bail. Also, if you posted bail and miss court, the bail can be at risk too.
If you know you will be late, call your lawyer right away. And if you already missed a date, talk with a lawyer before doing anything else. A lawyer may be able to ask the court to recall the warrant and set a new date.
Do you have to appear in person?
It depends on the charge and the type of hearing. In many misdemeanor cases, California law allows a defendant to appear through their attorney for some hearings. A felony defendant usually must be present for key hearings, such as the arraignment and sentencing.
The new courthouse has videoconferencing in every courtroom. Even so, do not assume you can appear remotely. Only the court can approve that, and your lawyer should confirm it in advance.
What happens at the first criminal court date?
The first hearing is usually the arraignment. At an arraignment, the judge tells you what you are charged with and reads or summarizes your rights. You then enter a plea, such as not guilty.
The judge may also decide on release conditions and set the next court date. If the prosecutor asks for a protective order, the judge may address that too. Our post on what happens after an arrest in Sacramento County walks through the early stages in more detail.
Most first appearances are short. Your case may be one of many on the calendar that day, so expect to wait.
How should you act inside the courtroom?
A few simple habits help:
- Stand when the judge enters or leaves and when the clerk calls your case
- Address the judge as “Your Honor”
- Speak only when asked, and keep your answers short
- Do not discuss the facts of your case in the hallway or courtroom
- Avoid any contact with the alleged victim or witnesses
Anything you say in public spaces at the courthouse can be overheard. Save the details for a private conversation with your lawyer.
Can family members come with you?
Yes. In general, the public can attend criminal court hearings. A family member or friend can sit in the gallery and offer support.
Ask them to follow the same rules you do. That means silent phones, no talking during hearings and no contact with anyone protected by a court order.
What questions should you ask your lawyer before court?
A short list of questions can make a first meeting more useful. Consider asking:
- How long will this hearing likely take?
- Do I need to be there in person or can you appear for me?
- What should I bring with me?
- What could happen at this hearing and what comes next?
- Is there anything I should do or avoid before the date?
Write down the answers. Then bring the list to each meeting so you do not miss anything.
Why talk to a lawyer before your court date?
A lawyer can confirm the time and place, review the charges and explain what to expect at the hearing. In some cases, a lawyer can handle certain appearances for you. A lawyer can also spot issues early, such as problems with a search or a statement you made to police.
The Law Office of Richard T. Dudek defends people in state and federal criminal courts.
Criminal defense attorney Richard Dudek knows the Sacramento courts, and the defense team includes licensed private investigators. You can learn more on our criminal process page.
If you have a court date coming up in Sacramento, you don’t have to walk in alone. Call (916) 848-6508 for a free consultation. Weekend and evening hours are available, or you can contact us online.
The information here is general information about California criminal law, not legal advice. Court locations and procedures can change, so check the Sacramento Superior Court website or ask your lawyer before your hearing. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please talk with a lawyer about your own situation.