About Kern County

Kern County occupies a vast and geographically diverse stretch of south-central California, covering approximately 8,161 square miles that range from the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley to the rugged peaks of the Tehachapi Mountains and the arid expanses of the Mojave Desert. This dramatic landscape encompasses fertile agricultural flatlands, oil-rich terrain, and dramatic mountain passes, making it one of the most geographically varied counties in the entire state. The Tehachapi Mountains serve as a natural divide between Northern and Southern California, and Kern County sits at this crossroads, giving it a distinctly hybrid identity shaped by both agricultural tradition and desert frontier spirit. With a population of approximately 900,202 residents, Kern County is one of the most populous counties in California, yet it retains a strong sense of regional identity tied closely to its land and industries. The county seat, Bakersfield, is the largest city and serves as the political, commercial, and cultural hub of the region. Bakersfield is well known nationally as a cradle of country music, the birthplace of the distinctive 'Bakersfield Sound' pioneered by artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, and the city continues to celebrate that heritage while growing as a modern regional center with expanding healthcare, education, and service sectors. The economy of Kern County is anchored by three dominant industries: agriculture, oil and gas production, and logistics. Kern is consistently among the top agricultural counties in the nation, producing crops such as grapes, almonds, citrus, carrots, and pistachios across its irrigated valley floors. It is also California's leading oil-producing county by a wide margin, with the Kern River oil field and surrounding reserves representing a significant portion of the state's total petroleum output. In recent years, renewable energy development — particularly large-scale solar and wind installations in the desert and mountain regions — has added a growing fourth pillar to the county's economic identity, attracting investment and new workforce populations to this already dynamic region.

Practice Areas in Kern County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Kern County

Kern County is served primarily by the Kern County Superior Court, which is the main state trial court handling the full range of civil, criminal, family law, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters for residents throughout the county. The Superior Court operates multiple courthouses across the county, with the main courthouse located at 1415 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield, and branch locations in Delano, Mojave, Ridgecrest, and Shafter to serve residents in more remote areas. The Delano Branch Courthouse at 1122 Jefferson Street handles matters for the northern and western agricultural communities, while the Mojave and Ridgecrest branches serve the high desert portions of the county. For federal matters, Kern County falls within the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, with the nearest federal courthouse located in Fresno at 2500 Tulare Street, though some proceedings may be held at the Robert E. Coyle Federal Building. Traffic infractions, misdemeanors, small claims disputes, and initial hearings are often handled at the division level within the Superior Court system, while more serious felony matters, complex civil litigation, and family court proceedings are managed through dedicated departments at the main Bakersfield courthouse.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Kern County

In Kern County, the vast majority of legal matters — including criminal charges under California law, family law cases such as divorce and child custody, personal injury lawsuits, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations — are handled by the Kern County Superior Court under the state court system. Federal jurisdiction applies when a case involves federal law, the U.S. Constitution, disputes between citizens of different states where the amount exceeds $75,000, bankruptcy proceedings, or matters involving federal agencies, and those cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, which covers 34 counties in the eastern and central portions of the state, including Kern. The Eastern District's divisional offices are located in Fresno, Sacramento, and Bakersfield itself — with a federal courthouse presence at 510 19th Street in Bakersfield handling certain federal matters locally — making federal court access somewhat more convenient for Kern County residents than for those in more remote parts of the district. Understanding which court system has jurisdiction over your particular legal issue is a critical first step, and an experienced attorney can quickly identify whether your matter belongs in state or federal court and navigate the procedural differences between the two systems.

Common Legal Situations in Kern County

Given Kern County's economic character and demographics, residents frequently encounter a wide range of legal situations that reflect the realities of life in an agricultural, industrial, and rapidly growing region. Traffic violations and DUI charges are among the most common matters handled in the Kern County courts, particularly given the county's extensive network of highways and rural roads that connect farming communities and oil fields. Employment law disputes arise frequently in the agricultural and energy sectors, including wage theft claims, workers' compensation disputes, and issues related to seasonal labor contracts and farmworker rights protected under California law. Family law matters — including divorce, child custody, child support enforcement, and domestic violence restraining orders — represent a consistently high-volume area of the courts, reflecting the county's large and diverse family population. Criminal defense cases ranging from drug offenses and theft to assault and serious felonies are a significant part of the legal landscape, as are civil matters such as personal injury claims from workplace accidents in the oil and agricultural industries, real estate disputes tied to the county's active property market, and immigration-related legal issues affecting a substantial portion of the county's working population.

Why Go To Court for Kern County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is a strong choice for Kern County residents seeking reliable, accessible legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. The firm offers a 24/7 free legal hotline, meaning that whether you are dealing with a late-night arrest, an urgent family law matter, or a pressing workplace dispute, you can reach a knowledgeable legal professional at any hour without waiting for the next business day. The Go To Court team brings extensive experience handling the types of legal issues most common to Kern County residents, from criminal defense and traffic matters to employment disputes and family law proceedings in the Kern County Superior Court. With fixed-fee options coming soon, Go To Court is committed to making quality legal services more transparent and financially accessible for hardworking Kern County families and individuals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Kern County?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Kern County, you have the option to pay the fine, request a trial by written declaration, or appear in person at the Kern County Superior Court to contest the citation. Fighting a ticket can be worthwhile, particularly if a conviction would add points to your driving record or affect your insurance rates. Consulting with a traffic attorney before your court date can help you understand your options and potentially get the charge reduced or dismissed.

How does child custody work in Kern County if I'm going through a divorce?

In Kern County, child custody matters are handled by the Family Law division of the Kern County Superior Court, which applies California's best-interest-of-the-child standard when making custody determinations. Parents can agree on a parenting plan and submit it for court approval, or if they cannot agree, a judge will decide on legal and physical custody arrangements. Mediation through Kern County Family Court Services is typically required before a contested custody hearing, and an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the process and advocate for your parental rights.

I was injured in an oil field or agricultural workplace accident in Kern County — what are my legal options?

If you were injured on the job in Kern County's oil, gas, or agricultural industries, you are generally entitled to file a workers' compensation claim through your employer's insurance, which can cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault. In some cases, if a third party — such as an equipment manufacturer or a subcontractor — contributed to your injury, you may also have the right to file a separate personal injury lawsuit seeking additional damages. Speaking with an attorney promptly after a workplace injury is important because there are strict deadlines for reporting injuries and filing claims under California law.

What counts as a DUI in California, and what are the penalties if I'm charged in Kern County?

In California, a DUI charge can be based on a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher for most drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, or 0.01% for drivers under 21, and you can also be charged based on impairment from drugs or a combination of substances even if your BAC is below the legal limit. A first-offense DUI in Kern County typically carries penalties including fines, mandatory DUI education programs, a license suspension, and potentially probation or jail time depending on the circumstances. Because a DUI conviction can have lasting consequences for your employment, driving privileges, and criminal record, it is strongly advisable to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest.

Can a landlord evict me quickly in Kern County, and what are my rights as a tenant?

In California, landlords must follow a formal legal eviction process and cannot remove a tenant without first providing the appropriate written notice — typically a 3-day notice for nonpayment of rent or lease violations, or a longer notice period for no-fault evictions — and then filing an unlawful detainer lawsuit in the Kern County Superior Court if the tenant does not comply. Tenants have the right to respond to the eviction lawsuit and appear in court to present a defense, and self-help eviction tactics such as changing locks, removing belongings, or cutting off utilities are illegal in California. If you have received an eviction notice or believe your landlord is acting unlawfully, contacting a tenant's rights attorney promptly can help you understand your protections and respond within the critical legal deadlines.

Neighbouring Counties

Kern County is bordered by Tulare County to the north, Kings County to the northwest, Fresno County to the north, San Luis Obispo County to the west, Santa Barbara County to the southwest, Ventura County to the south, Los Angeles County to the southeast, San Bernardino County to the east, and Inyo County to the northeast.