FAQs • Can County Counsel give me legal advice?

Can County Counsel give me legal advice?: The Office of the County Counsel provides legal advice to the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, County Departments, agencies and certain commissions, committees and special districts. We cannot provide legal advice or answer legal questions for the general public.

County Counsel

1. Can County Counsel give me legal advice?: The Office of the County Counsel provides legal advice to the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, County Departments, agencies and certain commissions, committees and special districts. We cannot provide legal advice or answer legal questions for the general public.

2. How do I contact the Tuolumne County Superior Court?: The main line for the Civil Division is (209) 533-5555, Criminal Division is (209) 533-5563, and the Self-Help Center is (209) 533-6565.

3. I can't afford a lawyer, can you help or does Tuolumne County have Legal Aid?: No. However, the Tuolumne County Superior Court has a Self-Help Center which provides information for individuals who are looking for information or are representing themselves. You can reach the Self-Help Center at (209) 533-6565.

4. Where is the Law Library?: The Tuolumne County Law Library is located at the Tuolumne County Superior Court. Their address is 12855 Justice Center Drive, Sonora.

5. How do I request a public record?: You may submit a written or oral request for a public record to the County department/entity from which you wish to receive a response. Alternatively, you may submit your request to us. When submitting your request, please include your contact information so we may timely respond.

6. Where can I get legal forms?: The Judicial Council has forms available to the public at no charge. The Tuolumne County Superior Court also has forms available for a minimal fee.

7. How do I file a claim against the County?: You may either contact our office by phone and request a Claim for Personal Injuries or a Claim for Property Damage (or both) be mailed to you or you can download the forms by clicking on the above link(s). When you submit your claim, please provide any and all back up documentation you have regarding the alleged damages/injuries (police reports, estimates for repair, photographs of damage, etc.). Our office has forty-five (45) days in which to respond to your claim, once it is received by our office.

8. The County is suing me for money it says I owe. Who can I talk to about this?: Collections lawsuits are filed by the Office of the County Counsel, but you should first contact Tuolumne County Revenue Recovery at (209) 533-5920. If your question is not answered at Revenue Recovery, please contact our office at (209) 533-5517.

9. Where is County Counsel's office located?: We are located on the 4th floor of the Tuolumne County Administration Building, at 2 South Green Street, Sonora.