Criminal Defense in Martinez, California

Martinez Criminal Defense Attorney — Morris Law PC

Martinez, with a population of approximately 39,000, is the county seat of Contra Costa County and home to the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse (725 Court Street) — where most Contra Costa County felonies are prosecuted. The city’s role as the legal hub of the county produces a distinct case mix: every category of criminal charge proceeds through Martinez at some stage, and Morris Law PC appears at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse routinely for clients from across the county.

Where Martinez Cases Are Heard

Martinez is the site of the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse (725 Court Street) — Contra Costa County’s main criminal courthouse — and the Martinez Detention Facility, where most county arrestees are booked and held pretrial. The Contra Costa County DA’s main office is also in Martinez (900 Ward Street).

Distance from our Oakland office: 27 miles north of our Oakland office — approximately 30 minutes via I-580/Highway 4 outside of peak commute hours.

Charges We Defend in Martinez

Martinez sees the full cross-section of Contra Costa County criminal cases at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse: felony arraignments, jury trials, sentencing hearings, and probation reviews. Local Martinez arrests include DUI on Pacheco Boulevard, drug-possession cases, and domestic-violence cases handled by Martinez Police.

Morris Law PC represents Martinez clients facing every category of California criminal charge:

How to Reach Morris Law PC From Martinez

Our two East Bay offices coordinate Martinez cases as a single firm. Most Martinez clients meet at our Oakland office, just 27 miles north of our Oakland office, but we offer secure video consultations and on-site interrogation response across Martinez.

Oakland Office (Primary for Martinez)

1300 Clay St, Suite 600
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 824-8831

Berkeley Office

2001 Addison St, Suite 300
Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 350-3225

Martinez Criminal Defense — Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Contra Costa County cases heard in Martinez?

Martinez is the county seat. Under California law, the main superior court for a county is typically located in the county seat. The Wakefield Taylor Courthouse (725 Court Street) handles felony arraignments, preliminary hearings, jury trials, and sentencing for Contra Costa County. The Walnut Creek and Pittsburg branches handle some misdemeanor calendars.

What is the Martinez Detention Facility?

The Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) at 901 Court Street is one of two Contra Costa County jails (the other is West County Detention Facility in Richmond). Most male arrestees county-wide are booked at MDF; women are typically housed at WCDF. The Sheriff’s online locator shows current placement.

Can I visit an inmate at the Martinez Detention Facility?

Yes. Visitation is scheduled through the Contra Costa Sheriff’s online visitation portal. You must register, be on the approved visitor list, and pass a background check. Attorney visits (which we conduct) do not count against the inmate’s social visitation slots.

Does Morris Law have attorneys at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse regularly?

Yes — we appear at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse routinely for Contra Costa County felony cases (cases from Concord, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Pittsburg, Antioch, Richmond, El Cerrito, and other Contra Costa jurisdictions all proceed through Martinez at some stage).

How does charging work at the Contra Costa County DA’s office?

Police submit cases to the DA’s office at 900 Ward Street, Martinez. A deputy DA reviews evidence and files a complaint (misdemeanor) or seeks an information (felony) within statutory deadlines — generally 48 hours of arrest for in-custody defendants. Pre-charging mitigation submissions can sometimes lead to declines or reduced charges.

Call Morris Law PC About Your Martinez Case

Free, confidential consultations are available 24/7 — including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Call (510) 330-0814 or schedule online.