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Fraud Alert: Scam Text Messages Claiming DMV Penalties -

We have been made aware of fraudulent text messages being sent to individuals claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court system. These messages often state that the recipient owes penalties or fees related to traffic violations or DMV infractions and may include a link or phone number to resolve the matter. 

Take these steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to a text message scam:

  • Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts — If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply.
  • Verify the source — If you are unsure, always contact the DMV through official channels.
  • Call the DMV if you have concerns — The DMV customer service team is available to help you at 800-777-0133.

Please see DMV warning about fraudulent texts: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/dmv-warns-of-fraudulent-te…

Jury Scam alert -

The Santa Barbara Superior Court has received complaints about individuals trying to scam members of the public by pretending to be court officers or officials. The Jury Services office of the Santa Barbara Superior Court does not call citizens to request payments for failing to appear for jury duty. California law does not permit citizens to pay a fine in lieu of jury duty. If you receive such a call simply hang up and, if the scammer persists, call your local law enforcement agency. Learn more about the recent scam warning.

Notice to Jurors:

Prospective jurors summoned for jury service can expect to receive their jury summons in postcard form. Please check your mail for a postcard with important instructions to fulfil your jury service. Visit the Jury Services page for more information.

Judge Brian Hill

Judge Hill

Judge Brian Hill is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and of University of San Francisco School of Law.

  • Superior Court Judge, 2003-Present
  • Presiding Judge, 2011-2012
  • Asst. Presiding Judge, 2009-2010
  • Supervising Criminal Judge, 2005-2010
  • Senior Deputy District Attorney, 1985-2003
  • Brian has prosecuted all major felonies including murder rape, robbery, theft and burglary.
  • Thomas Guerry Award Winner for "Outstanding Overall Performance," 1989
  • Supervisor of District Attorney's Consumer Mediation and Fraud Unit, 1988-90
  • Professor of Constitutional Law, Santa Barbara/Ventura Colleges of Law, 1988-Present
  • Professor of the Year, 1999
  • Guest Lecturer, Catholic University of Lublin (Poland), January 2014
  • Third District Court of Appeal Research Attorney, 1981-84
  • California Supreme Court, Intern 1981
  • First District Court of Appeal, Intern, 1979
  • Rotary Scholar, University of Edinburgh, 1984-85 (Jurisprudence and Criminology)
  • Law School Instructor of courses in: Employment Discrimination, Consumer Law, and Jurisprudence
  • Professional Committees on Child Abuse/Neglect, Gangs & Drugs
  • Vice-President, Little League; Youth Sports Coach

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