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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.

Court Update

Press Release 2024

November 19, 2024

SANTA BARBARA SUPERIOR COURT
SELECTS NEW COMMISSIONER
ELIZABETH DIAZ

PDF Version here.

Presiding Judge Pauline Maxwell is proud to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Diaz as the new Santa Barbara Superior Court’s Commissioner. Ms. Diaz will officially take the oath of office in December, with the exact date to be announced. Ms. Diaz is the first female Mexican American court commissioner in the history of the Santa Barbara Superior Court.

A Santa Barbara native in both education and service, Ms. Diaz earned her Juris Doctorate from the Santa Barbara College of Law in 1998 after completing her undergraduate studies in Law and Society at UC Santa Barbara.

Judge Maxwell emphasized Ms. Diaz’s remarkable contributions to the legal field, particularly during her 12 years as an attorney with Legal Aid and her tenure as the Family Law Facilitator for the Santa Barbara Superior Court. Ms. Diaz has an outstanding record of providing legal representation for litigants in domestic violence and restraining order matters, as well as helping self-represented litigants prepare paperwork for their court proceedings, consistently demonstrating a profound commitment to justice and accessibility.

Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants after a rigorous interview process, Ms. Diaz earned praise for her deep expertise and professionalism. “Ms. Diaz has the experience, dedication, and demeanor needed to excel as a Superior Court Commissioner,” Judge Maxwell remarked. “Her commitment to serving our community will undoubtedly continue in her new role.”

Superior Court Commissioners play a vital role in the judicial system, presiding over matters such as family law, child support, domestic violence, and civil harassment cases. To qualify for this position, candidates must have at least ten years of experience as practicing attorneys and be active members in good standing with the State Bar of California.

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