Phone (Criminal/Traffic): (530) 573-3044
Phone (Civil/Small Claims/Juvenile/Family Law/Probate): (530) 573-3075
Building Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
Clerk’s Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
Court System: El Dorado County Superior Court
The South Lake Tahoe Courthouse — officially the South Lake Tahoe Branch of the El Dorado County Superior Court — is the only court facility serving the Lake Tahoe region of El Dorado County. The branch handles the full range of case types (Departments 3, 4, 11, and 12), providing essential court services for residents of South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding communities, who would otherwise need to travel over the mountains to the main El Dorado County courthouse in Placerville (about 60 miles west via Highway 50).
Types of Cases Heard
The South Lake Tahoe Branch is a full-service courthouse, handling:
- Criminal cases — felony and misdemeanor arraignments, hearings, and trials
- Traffic cases — infractions and traffic-related matters
- Civil cases — including unlimited civil, limited civil, and unlawful detainers
- Family law — divorce, custody, support, domestic violence restraining orders
- Juvenile — both delinquency and dependency
- Probate — wills, estates, conservatorships, guardianships
- Small claims
If you were arrested anywhere in the South Lake Tahoe area — by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, or the California Highway Patrol along Highway 50 in this region — your case will be heard at this courthouse.
The Family Law Facilitator/Self-Help Center is also available in-person at this location on Tuesdays (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.), Wednesdays (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.), and Thursdays (8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.), with phone availability Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at (530) 573-3066.
What to Expect at a Hearing
Court hearings typically start in the morning, with specific calendar times varying by department. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early for security screening.
A few things to know before your hearing:
- Dress conservatively — business or business-casual attire. Casual Tahoe attire (shorts, t-shirts, swimwear) is not appropriate for court.
- 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 courthouse has an after-hours drop box for filings.
The building is wheelchair accessible at the front entrance, with an elevator and wheelchair-accessible restrooms available.
Parking and Logistics
Per court guidance: jurors can park out front, in the back in public parking only, and in front of the jail. Avoid parking along Johnson Boulevard when possible.
The courthouse is accessible via Highway 50 — about three miles east of the South Lake Tahoe Airport. From the California side of Lake Tahoe, take Highway 50 east; from the Nevada side, head west on Highway 50.
Winter weather can affect travel times significantly. Chain controls on Highway 50 are common in winter months; if you’re driving from out of the area for a court appearance, check road conditions before traveling and plan accordingly.
If you have a court appearance at the South Lake Tahoe Courthouse, our team is ready to help. Learn how we defend criminal cases throughout Northern California.
