Public Notice: Lodi Branch Court to Close Effective March 1, 2023
Effective Wednesday, March 1, 2023, Department L-1 and the Clerk’s Office at the Lodi Branch Court will close. Department L-1 is located at 217 W. Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240. Department L-2 and the adjoining Clerk’s Office, located at 315 W. Elm Street, closed earlier this year in April.
Criminal matters currently scheduled in Department L-1 on or after March 1, 2023, will be heard in Stockton. Parties to cases will receive notice of their new court date and department at the Stockton courthouse. All related filings must be filed at the Stockton courthouse.
The Court is facing a shortage of judges due to recent and upcoming retirements. These retirements significantly decrease judicial officer resources and necessitate the closure of the Lodi Branch Court. Judicial officer vacancies are filled through appointment by the Governor, and it is unknown when appointments will be made. Although the closure is intended to be a temporary measure, there is no estimate as to when the Lodi Branch Court will reopen.