Service Tree

The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.

Community Courts

Local courts whose function is to try cases involving vandalism, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, public urination, shoplifting, trespassing, prostitution and other offenses that affect the quality of life in a community. Most community courts are initiated by other courts or local district attorneys, are structured to serve a particular neighborhood and are located in the area they serve. A few serve entire cities. The specific focus of these courts depends on the nature of the problems in the communities they serve and the concerns of the residents and business people who live and/or work there. Offenders are often required to make restitution by providing service in the community in which their crimes were committed and may be ordered to participate in social services such as counseling, drug treatment and job training when warranted.

Drug Courts

Special courts that have been given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-addicted offenders through an extensive supervision and treatment program. Drug court participants undergo long-term treatment and counseling sanctions, incentives and frequent court appearances. Successful completion of the program results in dismissal of charges, reduced or set aside sentences, lesser penalties, or a combination of these.

Family Law Courts

State courts that handle domestic relations cases including dissolution of marriages, nullification of marriages, legal separations, paternity actions, child custody, child support, visitation arrangements, spousal support and restraining orders; and which offer marriage and family counseling to help couples to reconcile or, if reconciliation is impossible, to reach an amicable agreement on a custody plan.

Mental Health Courts

State courts that handle LPS conservatorships and cases which involve psychiatric evaluations, investigations, hearings and trials related to the involuntary detention of people who are alleged to have severe emotional problems and who are unable or unwilling to seek voluntary care for themselves.

Probate Courts

State courts that handle regular guardianships, the establishment of decedents' wills, the settlement of decedents' estates, and decisions relating to the administration of the estates of minors and individuals adjudged to be incompetent to manage their own affairs.

Small Claims Courts

State courts that hear civil cases involving no more than $5,000 and which require parties to the action to present their own cases. The judge hears both sides and renders a judgment.

Traffic Courts

State courts that hear cases which involve metropolitan area traffic violations.

Veterans Courts

Special state courts that handle cases involving veterans charged with crimes, generally nonviolent felonies and misdemeanors in which post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, traumatic brain injuries and mental illness are underlying factors. The objective of the courts is to get veterans into treatment where the root causes of their behavior can be addressed as an alternative to time in jail. Compliance with court requirements is monitored through regularly scheduled court hearings and charges against participants are dropped following completion of treatment if they have remained alcohol and drug free and have committed no new offenses.

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