Civil Unit
The Special Enforcement Division’s Civil Unit is responsible for service of civil process which may include restraining orders, evictions, civil bench warrants, keepers and till taps, and both personal property and real property levies as outlined in the California Constitution and the California Code of Civil Procedures. The Civil Unit also conducts levies on wages and bank accounts. Civil Unit employees are comprised of both professional civilian staff and sworn peace officers who work and train together to coordinate an efficient civil process for the County of Santa Clara.
The Sheriff is the levying officer and the Civil Unit employees are agents of the Sheriff designated to enforce a writ, which is an order from the court directing a certain action. Civil Unit employees are required to enforce writs based on written instructions. The levying officer and agents act as a neutral third party and may not provide legal advice to any person.
An eviction by the Sheriff is the final step of a process that includes an unlawful detainer judgment for possession of property. The County of Santa Clara Sheriff's Office performs evictions after a judgment for possession is obtained and a valid writ of possession, written instructions (see below), and proper fees are delivered to the Sheriff's Civil Division.
View information on the civil court process offered by the Superior Court of California and the County of Santa Clara
Find additional information on eviction cases in California offered by the Judicial Branch of California
Contact information
| Civil Services Hours | Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Civil Services Phone | (408) 808-4800 |
| Civil Services Fax | (408) 998-0636 |
| Civil Services Email | [email protected] |
Please note: The Sheriff’s Office cannot provide legal advice.