Mendocino County is located on the northern coast of California, and comprises the Ukiah, CA area for statistical purposes. Ukiah also serves as the county’s seat. Mendocino County is considered to be the largest temperate rainforest ecoregion on earth. According to the 2010 census, Mendocino County is home to 87,841 residents. As of 2009, it was estimated that roughly one third of the county’s economy was based on cannabis cultivation.

Some notable features of Mendocino County include:

• Its location along what is known as California’s Lost Coast;
• Redwood Forests;
• Wine production;
• Microbreweries; and
• The Skunk Train, which connects Fort Bragg with Willits.

The county is known as one of California’s original counties, and was created in 1850 at the time of statehood. There are nine Reservations within Mendocino County’s borders which is the fourth most of any county in the United States. These Reservations include:

• Coyote Valley;
• Guidiville Rancheria;
• Hopland Rancheria;
• Laytonville Rancheria;
• Manchester-Point Arena Rancheria;
• Pinoleville Racheria;
• Redwood Valley Rancheria;
• Round Valley, which is partially located in Trinity County; and
• Sherwood Valley Rancheria.

Information Regarding the Legal System in Mendocino County, CA

Mendocino County, CA is serviced by a Superior Court system, similar to most California counties. This superior court hears both civil and criminal cases, and is organized into the following divisions:

• Family and Juvenile Law;
• Probate;
• Records;
• Small Claims;
• Therapeutic Court; and
• Traffic Court.

Mendocino County is a general law county. This means that there is a Board of Supervisors which serves as both the legislative and executive bodies of county government. Additionally, Mendocino County Superior Court offers a program known as the Clean Slate Project. It is facilitated by Legal Services of Northern California and provides help and legal information, free of charge, to those who are seeking to clean up their criminal records. Qualifying and eligible participants must be self-represented.

Under California law, the amount in controversy may also help determine which court will hear your case. For example, the following is a list of courts as organized by the amount in controversy:

• Small Claims Courts: Small claim courts are courts of limited jurisdiction, which means that they can only hear cases where the amount in dispute is less than $10,000;
• California Superior Courts: Superior Courts also have limited jurisdiction, and are allowed to hear cases where the amount in controversy is less than $25,000. However, superior courts have exclusive jurisdiction in most cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000; and
• Specific Courts: Courts such as a bankruptcy court, or probate court, have exclusive subject matter jurisdiction, which means certain legal issues fall specifically in those courts.

Connecting With an Attorney in Mendocino County, CA

If you are involved in any legal issues in Mendocino County, you should connect with a local attorney as soon as possible. 

An experienced local attorney will be knowledgeable about local laws and the superior court system, while representing your interests in court as needed. LegalMatch.com can simplify the process by providing you with suggested area attorneys that have been pre-screened and are bar certified. Additionally, LegalMatch provides a wealth of information regarding multiple legal topics so you may educate yourself on your specific legal issues.