Please Note:  The Sheriff's Department cannot provide legal advice.  If you are not sure how to serve your paperwork or have questions regarding a legal matter, you should ask the court’s self-help center or contact a lawyer. Click for help finding a lawyer.

Phone Hours: 10:00 AM to 12:00PM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
(Monday through Friday excluding holidays)

To determine the correct office for your case, please see our Civil Offices by Zip Code page.*

* Registered Process Server levies and garnishments are processed through the San Diego office only.

Courthouse Weapons Screening

To ensure the highest security, the San Diego Sheriff's Department provides weapons screening at each of the San Diego Courthouses and the County Administration Center. Every visitor is required to walk through a metal detector. All hand-carried bags, luggage and packages will be x-rayed or searched by hand. Devices used are harmless and represent no health hazard. Visitors may be asked to remove shoes, belts or other articles, including items in pockets. The purpose of the screening is to prevent restricted weapons or contraband from being brought into the courthouse.

The following items are among those not permitted in the courthouses even if licensed to carry them. The department will not hold the items for safekeeping:

• Firearms
• Knives (regardless of length)
• Stun guns, mace or other harmful materials
• Illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages

Please allow extra time for the screening process to ensure that you will not be late for any court appearances.