If you have a criminal court date in Santa Rosa, chances are you’re headed to the Sonoma County Hall of Justice. This building is the central hub for all adult criminal matters in Sonoma County, and for many people, it’s their first real encounter with the justice system.
Here’s the reality: getting to the courthouse on time and prepared is half the battle. Arriving late — even by a few minutes — can result in serious consequences, including a bench warrant. This guide is designed to help you navigate the Hall of Justice with confidence, reduce unnecessary stress, and avoid common mistakes locals know to avoid.
For many people, a court appearance at the Hall of Justice comes after an arrest, often with little understanding of what happens next. If you’re trying to make sense of the process from arrest through your first court date, our guide Arrested in Santa Rosa: A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating the Sonoma County Justice System explains what to expect at every stage.
It’s also common for people to believe that arriving at court and simply telling “the truth” will resolve their case — but that’s not how criminal courts work. If you’re facing charges and concerned about how innocence is treated under the law, see Falsely Accused in Santa Rosa: Why Innocence Alone Is Not a Legal Defense for a clear explanation of how the justice system evaluates criminal cases.
The Hall of Justice at a Glance
The Sonoma County Hall of Justice handles:
- Felony and misdemeanor criminal cases
- Arraignments, pretrial hearings, and trials
- Probation and post-conviction matters
It is part of the larger County Center complex and operates under the Sonoma County Superior Court.
Essential Location Details (Know Before You Go)
Address:
600 Administration Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Clerk’s Office Hours:
Typically 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding court holidays)
Pro Tip:
The Criminal Division Clerk’s Office is located in Room 105J. This is where you’ll check calendars, file documents, and confirm courtroom assignments.
Parking & Directions: The “Know Before You Go” Guide
One of the most stressful parts of a court date at the Sonoma County Hall of Justice is simply finding parking and getting inside on time. Judges do not wait for traffic or parking issues, so plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early.
Where to Park
Parking around 600 Administration Drive is strictly enforced.
Short-Term Parking
There are 90-minute and 2-hour visitor spots along Administration Drive and Paulin Drive. These are fine for quick clerk filings, but do not rely on them for hearings. Court sessions often run long, and you cannot step out to move your car.
Long-Term Parking (Recommended)
Your best option is the Ventura Avenue public parking lot, located about one block east of the Hall of Justice. This lot allows all-day parking and is the safest choice for hearings, trials, or preliminary examinations.
Pro Tip:
Avoid parking in Sheriff’s Department lots or spaces marked Reserved or Permit Only. County parking enforcement is active, and vehicles can be cited or towed.
Driving Directions
From Northbound Highway 101
Take the Bicentennial Way exit heading east. Turn right onto Ventura Avenue and follow it two blocks to the long-term parking lot on your left.
From Southbound Highway 101
Exit at Steele Lane and turn left. Turn left again onto County Center Drive, then left onto Administration Drive. From there, turn onto Ventura Avenue to access long-term parking.
Public Transportation
Santa Rosa CityBus and Sonoma County Transit both serve the County Center area, with stops near Administration Drive and Ventura Avenue.
If you’re arriving via the SMART Train, the Santa Rosa North Station is the closest stop. From there, a short bus ride or rideshare will take you to the courthouse.
Security Screening: What to Leave in Your Car
Everyone entering the Hall of Justice must pass through security screening.
Prohibited items include:
- Pocketknives or multi-tools
- Pepper spray or mace
- Tools of any kind
- Weapons or sharp objects
Expect to go through a metal detector and bag screening at the entrance.
Local Insight:
Our attorneys recommend leaving your phone on silent — or in your vehicle — if you are not prepared to have it off for several hours. Judges do not tolerate ringing phones or device use in the courtroom.
Finding Your Courtroom
Courtroom assignments are not mailed out in advance.
Each morning, “The Calendar” is posted on the windows outside Room 105J. Look up your name or case number to find:
- Your department number
- The judge assigned
- The scheduled time
Criminal cases are most commonly heard in Departments 1, 2, and 3, though assignments can change.
Courthouse Etiquette (Yes, It Matters)
Dress Code
Business casual is the local gold standard. Think:
- Slacks or clean jeans
- Collared shirts or modest tops
- Closed-toe shoes
Avoid shorts, flip-flops, hats, or clothing with offensive graphics.
Courtroom Conduct
- Stand when the judge enters or exits
- Address the judge as “Your Honor”
- Do not interrupt proceedings
- Speak only when instructed
Judges notice behavior — and first impressions matter.
Final Thought: Don’t Walk In Alone
For many people, walking into the Hall of Justice is stressful and unfamiliar. Having experienced legal guidance can make that process far less overwhelming. If you’d like to hear from people who have been represented by Conway Law Practice in Santa Rosa criminal cases, you can read our client testimonials to learn about their experiences navigating the Sonoma County court system.
If you have a hearing scheduled at 600 Administration Drive, having experienced local guidance can make all the difference.
Legal issues rarely exist in isolation. A criminal court appearance may also raise concerns about employment, housing, or family matters. If your case involves children or parenting rights, a child custody lawyer in Santa Rosa can help you understand how criminal proceedings may affect custody or visitation.
Let Conway Law Practice guide you through those doors — prepared, informed, and protected. Contact us today to schedule your case evaluation!