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Appearances mandatory in misdemeanor and felony cases and required for certain infractions, on the date and time on the release papers or arraignment letter, a failure to appear possibly bringing a warrant; on the court date, the defendant reporting to the Clerk's Office prepared to provide identification and any relevant documentation (jail release paperwork, a notice to appear, bail or bond receipts, the arraignment letter); fines paid by the due date the judge sets, online, by mail or in person (cash, personal checks, money orders, credit/debit cards; no cash by mail; U.S. funds; checks payable to Plumas Superior Court with the case number), unpaid fines referred to collections; a civil assessment of up to $100 under Section 1214.1(a) of the Penal Code; court-appointed counsel requested from the judge at the first appearance, with a financial declaration and a possible reimbursement hearing; no speaking to or gesturing toward anyone in custody (a possible misdemeanor charge); no criminal record information given over the telephone - the Record Searches page.
California > Third Appellate District > Plumas County > Superior Court of California, County of Plumas
Criminal Court The Criminal Department is responsible for filing, processing, and maintaining criminal records for misdemeanor and felony cases in Plumas County. A criminal action is the legal process through which a person accused of committing a crime is formally charged and brought to trial. During the trial, evidence is presented by both the prosecution and the defense, after which a decision is made regarding the accused's guilt. If found guilty, the individual is sentenced according to the law. External Resources Plumas County District Attorney Plumas County Public Defenders Plumas County Sheriff's Department Plumas County Law Library Plumas County Centralized Collections Plumas County Victim/Witness Assistance Frequently Asked Questions What is a criminal case? A criminal case begins when a prosecutor, the District Attorney, initiates a criminal action for the People of the State of California by filing a charging document—such as a Complaint, Information, or Indictment. In all criminal cases, the defendant (the person accused of a crime) is presumed innocent. This means the defendant cannot be convicted of a crime unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. What is an infraction? An infraction is an offense punishable only by a fine and is not classified as a misdemeanor or felony. A person charged with an infraction is not entitled to a trial by jury or to representation by court-appointed counsel. What is a misdemeanor? A misdemeanor is a lesser criminal offense punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment in a county jail. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you have the right to a trial by jury or by court, as well as the right to be represented by an attorney at all proceedings. What is a felony? A felony is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment in a state prison or, in extreme cases, by death. A defendant charged with a felony has the right to a trial by jury or by court and the right to be represented by an attorney at all proceedings. What is bail? Bail allows a defendant to be released from custody by posting a bond, cash deposit, or other security deemed necessary to ensure the defendant's appearance in court. What is an arraignment? The first court appearance in a criminal case is the arraignment. During the arraignment, the defendant—the person accused of the crime—is informed of their constitutional rights and given an explanation of the charges filed against them. The arraignment includes reading the complaint or citation to the defendant and asking whether they plead guilty or not guilty. What is a preliminary hearing? A preliminary hearing is a court proceeding held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case. What is a pretrial conference? The purpose of a pretrial conference is to explore the possibility of resolving the case before trial or to discuss measures that will facilitate the efficient handling of the trial. Am I entitled to a trial by jury? A person charged with a misdemeanor or felony is entitled to a jury trial. A trial by court (judge only) is conducted for individuals charged with infractions or for defendants who waive their right to a jury trial. Do I have to appear in court? Court appearances are mandatory for criminal misdemeanor and felony cases and may also be required for certain infractions. You must appear in court on the date and time specified on your release papers or arraignment letter. Failure to appear may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. On your court date, report to the Clerk’s Office. Be prepared to provide identification and any relevant documentation, such as jail release paperwork, a notice to appear, bail or bond receipts, or your arraignment letter. How do I pay my fine? All fines must be paid by the due date specified by the judge in court. Your paperwork will indicate the amount owed and the due date. If you do not pay or arrange a payment plan by the deadline, your case will be referred to the Collections Department, and a warrant may be issued for your arrest. Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person. Accepted payment methods include cash, personal checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Please do not mail cash. Payments must be made in U.S. funds. Make checks payable to Plumas Superior Court and include your case number on the check. Visit the Make Payment page for additional information and to make a payment online. Make Payment What happens if I Fail to Appear or Pay a fine? If you fail to appear in court or pay a fine as promised or ordered, the Court will issue a warrant for your arrest. Additionally, you may face penalties, including jail time and/or a fine, regardless of the outcome of the original charge. To facilitate the effective collection of fines, fees, and assessments, your case may also be referred to collections. Per Section 1214.1(a) of the Penal Code: "The court may impose a civil assessment of up to one hundred dollars ($100) against a defendant who fails, after notice and without good cause, to appear in court for a proceeding authorized by law, or who fails to pay all or any portion of a fine ordered by the court, or to pay an installment of bail as agreed to under Section 40510.5 of the Vehicle Code." What help is provided to the victim(s) of a crime? For information about assistance available to victims and victim restitution, please call the Plumas County Victim/Witness Assistance Program at (530) 283-6285 or visit them online: Victim/Witness Assistance Program. How do I get court-appointed counsel? You may request court-appointed counsel from the judge during your first court appearance. The judge will require you to complete a financial declaration to determine if you qualify. At the conclusion of your case, a hearing may be held to determine whether you are required to reimburse the court for some or all of the costs associated with court-appointed counsel. My friend or family member is in custody, can I speak to them while they are in court? No, you may be charged with a misdemeanor if you attempt to speak to or gesture toward anyone in custody. How do I find out about someone who is in custody? Contact the Plumas County Correctional Facility at (530) 283-6267. Additional information can be found on their website: Jail | Plumas County, CA. Can I get copies of criminal records? The court maintains an index of filings and a record of dispositions. Court staff cannot provide information about criminal records over the telephone. To obtain information or copies of documents from a criminal case, please visit the Record Searches page Record Searches
Criminal Court The Criminal Department is responsible for filing, processing, and maintaining criminal records for misdemeanor and felony cases in Plumas County. A criminal action is the legal process through which a person accused of committing a crime is formally charged and brought to trial. During the trial, evidence is presented by both the prosecution and the defense, after which a decision
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