San Diego Court System Explained: Criminal vs. Civil Cases

If you’re dealing with a legal issue in San Diego, one of the first questions you’ll hear is whether your situation is criminal or civil. That distinction matters more than most people realize.

Even when two cases come from the same event — like a car accident or an arrest — criminal and civil cases follow very different paths through the San Diego court system. Understanding the difference can help you avoid mistakes, protect your rights, and know what to expect next. The San Diego Court System: An Overview

Most legal matters in San Diego are handled by San Diego Superior Court. While the same court system oversees both criminal and civil cases, the rules, procedures, and goals of each are completely different.

Put simply:

• Criminal cases are about punishment and public safety.

• Civil cases are about financial responsibility and legal rights.

What Is a Criminal Case in San Diego?

A criminal case is brought by the government, not by a private individual.

Who files criminal cases?

Most criminal cases are prosecuted by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, although some misdemeanors may be handled by a city attorney.

Common criminal cases include:

• DUI and drug offenses

• Domestic violence and assault

• Theft and fraud

• Felony and misdemeanor charges
  

What’s at stake in a criminal case

Criminal cases can result in:

• Jail or prison time

• Probation

• Fines and fees

• A permanent criminal record
  

Because of these consequences, criminal cases carry the highest burden of proof in the legal system.

Burden of proof

The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Where criminal cases are heard

Criminal cases in San Diego are typically heard at courthouses such as:

• San Diego Superior Court – Central Division

• San Diego Superior Court – North County
  

What Is a Civil Case in San Diego?

A civil case usually involves a dispute between private parties, often over money or legal responsibility.

Who files civil cases?

Civil cases are filed by:

• Individuals

• Businesses

• Insurance companies
  

Common civil cases include:

• Personal injury and car accidents

• Contract disputes

• Property and real estate issues

• Wrongful death claims
  

What’s at stake in a civil case

Civil cases do not involve jail time. Instead, they focus on:

• Financial compensation

• Settlements or judgments

• Court orders resolving disputes
  

Burden of proof

Civil cases use a lower standard called preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the claim is true.

Where civil cases are heard

Civil matters may be heard at:

• San Diego Superior Court – Central Civil

• San Diego Superior Court – North County Civil
  

Can the Same Incident Lead to Both Criminal and Civil Cases?

Yes. This is one of the most common sources of confusion.

Example: A DUI car accident

A single crash can result in:

• A criminal case for DUI or reckless driving, brought by the State

• A civil case for personal injury, brought by the injured person
  

These cases:

• Are handled separately

• Follow different timelines

• Use different legal standards

• Do not depend on each other to succeed

A criminal case can be dismissed while a civil case continues — or vice versa.

Key Differences Between Criminal and Civil Cases

Criminal Case	Civil Case
Filed by the government	Filed by a private party
Focuses on punishment	Focuses on compensation
Higher burden of proof	Lower burden of proof
Possible jail or prison	No jail time
Criminal record possible	Financial judgment only

Why Local Experience in San Diego Matters

The San Diego court system has its own procedures, local rules, and courthouse practices. A lawyer familiar with San Diego courts understands:

• How specific courthouses operate

• Local filing requirements and timelines

• Practical expectations from judges and prosecutors
  

Whether your issue is criminal, civil, or involves both, local experience can make the process more efficient and less stressful.

Final Thoughts

Criminal and civil cases may look similar from the outside, but in San Diego they operate under very different rules, timelines, and standards. In some situations, the same event — a car accident, an arrest, or an allegation — can trigger both systems at the same time, creating confusion and real risk if it isn’t handled carefully.

At the Law Office of Angelo Reyes, we regularly help clients navigate these overlaps. With experience in both criminal defense and personal injury matters, our approach is focused on the full picture — not just one side of the case. That means understanding how a criminal investigation can affect a civil claim, when silence is necessary to protect your rights, and how to move a case forward without creating problems in the other system.

If you’re facing a legal issue in San Diego and aren’t sure whether it’s criminal, civil, or both, getting clear guidance early can make a meaningful difference. The right strategy at the beginning often shapes the outcome long before a case ever reaches trial or settlement.