Richard E. Arnason Justice Center in Pittsburg, CA

Address: 1000 Center Drive, Pittsburg, CA 94565

Phone: (925) 608-1000

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday (filing windows close at 4:00 p.m.; phones answered until 3:00 p.m.)

Court System: Contra Costa County Superior Court

The Richard E. Arnason Justice Center is the Contra Costa County Superior Court’s location for East County, named after Judge Richard E. Arnason, who served on the California Superior Court from 1963 until his retirement in 2012 and was known for presiding over complex trials, including the Scott Peterson murder trial. The seven-courtroom facility opened in 2011, replacing the smaller Pittsburg-Delta Courthouse, and serves the communities of Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Oakley, and Pittsburg. The building received LEED Silver certification.

Types of Cases Heard

The Arnason Justice Center hears criminal (felony and misdemeanor), civil, small claims, traffic, and family law cases. Some domestic violence and juvenile matters are also heard here. If you were arrested in East Contra Costa County, your case will most likely be heard at this courthouse.

Cases from central Contra Costa County are heard at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse or A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez. West County cases (Richmond, San Pablo, El Cerrito) are heard at the George D. Carroll Courthouse in Richmond.

What to Expect at a Hearing

Court hearings typically start at 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., though specific times vary by department. Arrive at least 30 minutes early — there is only one entrance and everyone must go through security screening.

A few things to know before your hearing:

• Dress conservatively — business or business-casual attire.
• Security screening operates like airport TSA — no weapons, sharp objects, or anything that could be construed as one.
• Phones must be silenced or turned off in courtrooms.
• The single entrance is wheelchair accessible.

The jury assembly room has snack and beverage vending machines, filtered hot and cold water, and a lactation room. Jurors waiting to be selected have a scenic view of Mt. Diablo.

Parking and Logistics

Free parking is available in lots in front of and behind the courthouse, with designated ADA spaces near the entrance. The courthouse is accessible via Highway 4, with clear signage directing visitors from the freeway.

For public transit, the Pittsburg Center BART station is approximately a 10-minute walk. Tri Delta Transit bus routes 380, 381, and 391 also serve the area, with stops at Center Drive and Railroad Avenue just a couple of minutes from the courthouse.

If you have a court appearance at the Richard E. Arnason Justice Center, our team is ready to help. We appear here regularly and know the courthouse’s departments, judges, and procedures. Learn how we defend Contra Costa County criminal cases.

Contact us for a confidential case evaluation.