Criminal defense in Turlock
Turlock is the second-largest city in Stanislaus County. Most felony cases originating in Turlock are filed at the Modesto main courthouse, while many misdemeanors and traffic matters stay at the Turlock Branch.
The courthouse
Stanislaus County Superior Court — Turlock Branch 300 Starr Avenue, Turlock, CA 95380
Misdemeanors, infractions, and certain traffic matters are heard here. Felony arraignments and preliminary hearings move to 801 10th Street, Modesto.
Common cases in Turlock
Turlock Police Department, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office (south county), and CSU Stanislaus campus police work the cases that come into Turlock court:
- DUI cases on Highway 99, Lander Avenue, and Geer Road.
- Drug and possession cases from traffic stops and probation searches.
- Domestic-violence cases from TPD response calls.
- College-related cases involving CSU Stanislaus students — alcohol offenses, fights, drug cases — many of which are eligible for diversion.
What changes by venue
The Turlock Branch runs lighter calendars than Modesto and tends to move faster on misdemeanor cases. For cases that bridge both courthouses (a felony filed in Modesto with a related misdemeanor in Turlock), coordinating the calendars is part of the work.