Contra Costa County Court & Martinez Jail: What You Need to Know Last Updated: January 16, 2025 | Reading Time: 7 minutes If you or someone you care about has been arrested in Contra Costa County, understanding the court system can make a confusing situation much clearer. This guide walks you through how the Contra Costa County Court works, what happens at Martinez Detention Facility, and what to expect during the legal process. Whether it’s a first-time arrest or you’re navigating the system again, knowing where to go, what happens next, and what your rights are can make all the difference. —

Where Is Contra Costa County Court Located?

Main Courthouse Address: Contra Costa County Superior Court 725 Court Street Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 608-1000 Website: www.cc-courts.org This is the main criminal courthouse for Contra Costa County. If someone is arrested anywhere in the county (Concord, Richmond, Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, etc.), their case will be heard here.

What Types of Cases Does This Court Handle?

The Contra Costa County Court at 725 Court Street handles:

Criminal cases (both misdemeanors and felonies)
Arraignments (first court appearances)
Preliminary hearings (felony cases)
Trials (jury and bench trials)
Sentencing hearings
Probation violation hearings

The courthouse also has separate departments for family law, civil cases, traffic court, and small claims, but this guide focuses on the criminal court system. —

Martinez Detention Facility: The County Jail

Location: Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) 1000 Ward Street Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 646-4500 (inmate information line)

What Is Martinez Detention Facility?

Martinez Detention Facility is the main booking jail for Contra Costa County. When someone is arrested anywhere in the county, they’re transported here for booking and holding until their first court appearance (arraignment). Quick facts about MDF:

Capacity: 700+ inmates
Operated by: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
Type: Medium-security county jail
Houses: Male and female inmates
Status: Pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants

Why Martinez Can Feel Overwhelming

Martinez Detention Facility is often overcrowded. On busy weekends, the jail can process 50+ arrests, which means longer booking times and sometimes slower releases even after bail is posted. Common complaints about MDF:

Long booking times (3-6 hours typical)
Delayed releases (even with bail posted)
Difficulty getting through on the phone
Limited visiting hours
Overcrowding in housing units

Understanding this reality helps set expectations. If someone you know is in Martinez, patience is unfortunately part of the process. If you need information specifically about posting bail and getting someone released quickly, check out our complete guide to Martinez bail bonds and release times. —

What Happens After Someone Is Arrested?

Here’s the step-by-step process in Contra Costa County:

Step 1: Arrest

Police arrest someone for an alleged crime. This can happen:

During a traffic stop
At a home or business
On the street
After turning themselves in on a warrant

The arrested person is taken into custody and transported to Martinez Detention Facility. —

Step 2: Booking at Martinez Detention Facility

Booking typically takes 2-4 hours and includes:

Recording personal information
Running warrant checks (local, state, federal)
Fingerprinting and photographs
Property inventory (belongings are stored)
Medical screening
Classification (determines housing unit)

During booking, the person gets one phone call. Most people use this to call family or a bail bondsman. —

Step 3: Bail Is Set

For most charges, bail is set automatically using the Contra Costa County bail schedule. This is a pre-determined list of bail amounts based on the charge. Examples:

First DUI: $5,000 to $10,000
Domestic violence: $10,000 to $50,000
Drug possession: $10,000 to $25,000
Assault: $15,000 to $50,000

For serious felonies or unusual circumstances, the person may need to wait for a judge to set bail at the arraignment (within 48-72 hours). Important: Bail can be posted as soon as it’s set, even before the arraignment. —

Step 4: Arraignment (First Court Appearance)

The arraignment is the first time the person appears in court. By law, this must happen within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). At the arraignment:

The judge reads the charges
The person enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
The judge reviews bail (can increase, decrease, or keep it the same)
A future court date is set

Arraignments happen at: Contra Costa County Superior Court 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553 Courtroom: Typically Department 1 or 2 (criminal arraignment courts) Most people plead “not guilty” at the arraignment. This doesn’t mean fighting the case forever; it just keeps options open while the defense attorney reviews the evidence. —

Step 5: Release (If Bail Is Posted)

If bail has been posted (either through a bail bond or cash), the person is released from Martinez Detention Facility after the arraignment or sometimes before if bail was posted earlier. If bail is NOT posted, the person stays in custody at Martinez until the case is resolved or until bail is posted later. —

Step 6: Future Court Dates

After arraignment, there will be multiple court dates:

Pre-trial conferences: Attorney and prosecutor discuss the case
Motion hearings: Legal arguments about evidence
Preliminary hearing (felonies only): Judge determines if there’s enough evidence to proceed
Trial: If no plea deal is reached
Sentencing: If found guilty or after a plea agreement

All of these happen at 725 Court Street in Martinez. —

Understanding Your Rights at Contra Costa County Court

Right to an Attorney

Everyone has the constitutional right to an attorney. If you can’t afford one, the court will appoint a public defender at no cost. To get a public defender:

Fill out a financial declaration form
Show proof of income (or lack of income)
The judge decides if you qualify

If you can afford a private attorney, you should hire one as soon as possible. Private attorneys typically have more time to dedicate to your case. —

Right to Remain Silent

You have the right to remain silent during arrest, booking, and court proceedings. Use it. Many people try to “explain” their way out of trouble and end up providing evidence against themselves. Politely tell police you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions. —

Right to Bail

In California, most people have a right to bail (except for certain serious crimes like murder). Bail exists to ensure you return to court, not as punishment. If bail seems too high, your attorney can file a motion to reduce it. The judge will consider:

Severity of the charges
Your criminal history
Community ties (job, family, residence)
Flight risk

—

Common Mistakes People Make at Contra Costa County Court

Mistake #1: Talking Too Much

The phrase “anything you say can and will be used against you” is not a joke. Don’t discuss your case:

With police (without an attorney present)
On recorded jail phone calls
In letters from jail (they’re read)
On social media

Only discuss your case with your attorney in private. —

Mistake #2: Missing Court Dates

Missing a court date in Contra Costa County triggers:

Immediate bench warrant for your arrest
Bail forfeiture (you lose the money/bond)
Additional charges (failure to appear is its own crime)
Higher bail when you’re arrested again

Write down every court date. Set calendar reminders. Show up on time, dressed appropriately. —

Mistake #3: Not Taking It Seriously

Even “minor” charges can have life-changing consequences:

Criminal record affecting employment
Professional license suspension
Immigration consequences
Loss of gun rights
Increased penalties for future offenses

Take every charge seriously, even if you think it’s “no big deal.” —

Tips for Navigating Contra Costa County Court

Dress Appropriately

Do wear:

Business casual or better
Collared shirt, slacks, dress
Clean, respectful clothing

Don’t wear:

Tank tops, shorts, flip-flops
Clothing with offensive language or images
Gang colors or symbols
Hats (remove before entering courtroom)

Judges notice how you present yourself. Looking respectful helps. —

Arrive Early

Get to the courthouse at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. You’ll need to:

Go through security screening
Find the correct courtroom
Check in with the clerk
Possibly meet with your attorney

Parking: There are paid lots near the courthouse. Parking can be limited, so plan extra time. —

Turn Off Your Phone

Phones must be silenced in the courtroom. If your phone rings during court, the judge can:

Hold you in contempt
Fine you
Remove you from the courtroom

Better yet, leave your phone in the car. —

Be Respectful

Address the judge as “Your Honor.” Stand when the judge enters or exits. Don’t interrupt. Don’t argue with the judge. Even if you disagree with what’s happening, stay calm and respectful. Your attorney can argue for you. —

What If You Can’t Afford Bail?

If bail is set at an amount you can’t afford, you have several options:

Option 1: Use a Bail Bond Company

Instead of paying the full bail amount to the court, you pay a bail bond company 10% of the bail, and they post the full amount. Example: Bail is $20,000

You pay a bail bond company: $2,000
They post with the court: $20,000

Most bail bond companies offer payment plans. For help with Martinez bail bonds, call (925) 303-4444 or visit our Martinez bail bonds guide. —

Option 2: Request Own Recognizance (O.R.) Release

O.R. release means you’re released without paying bail, based on a promise to appear in court. Judges grant O.R. release for people who:

Have no criminal history
Have strong community ties
Are charged with minor offenses
Are not a flight risk

Your attorney can request this at arraignment. —

Option 3: Request a Bail Reduction

Your attorney can file a motion to reduce bail. The judge will consider your ties to the community, criminal history, and the severity of the charges. This can take a few days to schedule a hearing. —

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after arrest until arraignment?

48 hours maximum (excluding weekends and holidays). Most arraignments happen within 24-36 hours. —

Can I visit someone at Martinez Detention Facility?

Yes, but visiting hours are limited and require advance scheduling. Check the Contra Costa Sheriff’s website for current visiting policies and hours. —

What happens if I miss my court date?

A bench warrant is issued immediately, bail is forfeited, and you can be arrested at any time. You’ll also likely face additional charges for failure to appear. —

Can I change my court date?

Only your attorney can request a continuance (postponement). You cannot simply not show up or call to reschedule. —

What’s the difference between a felony and misdemeanor?

Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 1 year in county jail Felony: Punishable by more than 1 year in state prison Felonies are more serious and have harsher long-term consequences. —

Do I need an attorney for a misdemeanor?

Yes. Even misdemeanors can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record. An attorney can often get charges reduced or dismissed. —

How long does a criminal case take in Contra Costa County?

Misdemeanors: 3-6 months typically Felonies: 6-18 months or longer Complex cases or trials can take years. —

Resources for Contra Costa County Court

Contra Costa County Superior Court: Website: www.cc-courts.org Phone: (925) 608-1000 Contra Costa County Public Defender: Phone: (925) 608-1800 Contra Costa County District Attorney: Phone: (925) 646-2000 Martinez Detention Facility Inmate Information: Phone: (925) 646-4500 Contra Costa County Bar Association (Attorney Referrals): Website: www.cccba.org Phone: (925) 686-6900 —

Getting Help With Bail and Release

Understanding the Contra Costa County Court system is the first step. If you or someone you care about needs to post bail and get released from Martinez Detention Facility quickly, CityWide Bail Bonds can help. 📞 Call CityWide: (925) 303-4444

24/7 availability
Fast releases from Martinez
Flexible payment plans
Local Contra Costa County experts

For detailed information about bail bonds, release times, and costs, read our guide: Martinez Bail Bonds: Fast Release Guide — Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions about your case, consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney. — Related Articles:

— About CityWide Bail Bonds: Family-owned and operated for over 20 years, CityWide Bail Bonds serves all 58 California counties with fast, affordable bail bonds and 24/7 availability. We specialize in Contra Costa County releases and know the Martinez system inside and out.