Orange County Courthouse

HISTORY
Orange County's court facilities have been overwhelmed by the exploding area growth and the concurrent growth in demand for judicial services. The resulting overcrowding and dispersion of court-related agencies have seriously hindered the efficiency, security, and integrity of the courts. In an attempt to address these and other concerns, a new courthouse facility has been built to accommodate Orange County's current and future judicial needs.

DESIGN
The complex includes a 23-level courthouse tower, two identical five-story office buildings for the State Attorney and Public Defender, and a 750 car parking facility. High-volume courts, Clerk of the Courts, and the jury assembly area are located in the tower's four-story base. A special purpose courtroom is located on the 23^rd-level. The tower was designed where each floor housing judges' chambers and holding areas are sandwiched between floors housing four courtrooms. Dedicated elevators carry the following groups of passengers to the courtrooms: Judges travel from their chambers or secure basement parking; inmates are shuttled from a basement holding area; and the public gains access from the main lobby.

Note: All persons who enter any of the Courthouses of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court are subject to both electronic, and physical search. Firearms, knives, sprays, or any other items that may be considered a weapon, will be confiscated during the search process. Bringing weapons into the Courthouse is a federal violation. Individuals who attempt to bring firearms into any Courthouse will be prosecuted.