State statute
Santa Barbara — Civil Unit
California foreclosure, tax-defaulted, court-ordered and probate-sale law and official procedures — verbatim and citable.
- Edition
- 2026-09-26
- Last updated
- 2026-10-05
- Jurisdiction
- Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara —…¶
WELCOME TO THE SHERIFF’S CIVIL UNIT
CIVIL UNIT FAQ’S
Tell me about the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Civil Unit.
The Civil Unit was established in October of 1996. It is a branch of the Judicial Services bureau of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. The Civil Unit is dedicated to civil enforcement and process of service and has two Civil Offices, one serving northern Santa Barbara County and one serving southern Santa Barbara County. We can assist residents and businesses in Santa Barbara County with the service of various types of civil process such as temporary restraining orders, evictions, wage garnishments, bank levies, summons, claims, real and personal property levies and sales. Our staff looks forward to assisting you.
Can the Civil Unit give me legal advice on my case?
No, we do not give legal advice. Section 24004 of the Government Code prohibits the Sheriff or Marshal and their staff to practice law or assist in the preparation of legal document. You can check out the self help links located on our page for useful information.
Does a Writ issued to enforce a judgment require that the county that is to do the enforcement be named?
Yes, the writ must be addressed to the county that is to enforce the judgment.
Can I drop my civil papers off at any Sheriff’s office for service?
You can only bring your civil papers to one of the two Civil Unit offices during our business hours. You cannot leave civil papers at Sheriff patrol offices for service.
Who sets the fees for service cost?
The fees are set by the California State Assembly and subject to change every Jan. 1st.
When will my civil papers be served?
The Civil Bureau attempts to serve every civil paper received within a reasonable time frame.
Can the Sheriff’s Civil Unit guarantee the paper will be served?
No, we cannot make a guarantee that every paper will be served. There are many factors which would prevent a successful service such as the person has moved, there is not enough time for service or the fact that some individuals will actively try to avoid service
How many attempts does the Civil Unit make before they return my civil papers Not Found or No Service?
We make at least three attempts on three different days if given enough time before the last possible date of service.
What is a Till Tap?
The Civil Bureau goes into a business to recover your judgment by removing the funds from the business cash register.
What is a business levy?
In a business levy, the Civil Unit goes into a business to recover your judgment by taking over the business inventory and conducting an auction to recover the funds.
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The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 68-year-old incarcerated man who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Northern Branch Jail.
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Notice of In-Custody Death – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
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Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office Announces 1988 Cold Case Investigation Reopened. Click here to read more:
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Small but mighty. 🔬🧬🔎
This National Forensic Science Week, we’re celebrating the small team that does some seriously detailed work behind the scenes.
From late-night callouts and long hours processing evidence to meticulous work in the lab, our Forensics Team brings professionalism, expertise and dedication to every scene. And when you spend that many hours working side-by-side, coworkers have a way of becoming friends.
Thank you to our Forensics Team for the skill, patience and teamwork you bring to the Sheriff’s Office every day — and every night the phone rings. 💚
#NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #Forensics #SBSheriff #Teamwork
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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18105543980458566
Small but mighty. 🔬🧬🔎
This National Forensic Science Week, we’re celebrating the small team that does some seriously detailed work behind the scenes.
From late-night callouts and long hours processing evidence to meticulous work in the lab, our Forensics Team brings professionalism, expertise and dedication to every scene. And when you spend that many hours working side-by-side, coworkers have a way of becoming friends.
Thank you to our Forensics Team for the skill, patience and teamwork you bring to the Sheriff’s Office every day — and every night the phone rings. 💚
#NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #Forensics #SBSheriff #Teamwork
...
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Deputies joined members of the Armed Forces for the ceremonial coin toss at tonight’s Dos Pueblos High School football game. Thank you, Dos Pueblos, for honoring our military service members and local law enforcement! 🇺🇸🏈
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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18091400261258430
Deputies joined members of the Armed Forces for the ceremonial coin toss at tonight’s Dos Pueblos High School football game. Thank you, Dos Pueblos, for honoring our military service members and local law enforcement! 🇺🇸🏈
...
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National Police Woman Day — Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Today, we honor the women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office — the women who wear the badge, serve our communities, lead from the front, and set the standard for professionalism in public safety.
We also honor the women behind the badge — the dispatchers, analysts, technicians, professional staff, and family members whose strength, skill, and support make our mission possible every single day.
Their impact is felt in every division: patrol, investigations, custody, coroner, search and rescue, forensics, behavioral sciences, community outreach, and the countless roles that keep this organization moving forward.
To every woman who serves, supports, and stands with the Sheriff’s Office — thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your commitment to Santa Barbara County.
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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18581867389069064
National Police Woman Day — Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Today, we honor the women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office — the women who wear the badge, serve our communities, lead from the front, and set the standard for professionalism in public safety.
We also honor the women behind the badge — the dispatchers, analysts, technicians, professional staff, and family members whose strength, skill, and support make our mission possible every single day.
Their impact is felt in every division: patrol, investigations, custody, coroner, search and rescue, forensics, behavioral sciences, community outreach, and the countless roles that keep this organization moving forward.
To every woman who serves, supports, and stands with the Sheriff’s Office — thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your commitment to Santa Barbara County.
...
209
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National Night Out was a great reminder of what makes Santa Barbara County special—strong partnerships, great conversations, and communities that come together. 🚔🌙
From bubbles and smiles in Santa Barbara to “magic hands” in Lompoc, we loved spending the evening connecting with residents, answering questions, and meeting so many families. 🫧 🪄✋🏼
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, said hello, and helped make National Night Out another memorable evening. We appreciate the opportunity to build relationships that make our communities stronger and safer every day.
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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18091695065384117
National Night Out was a great reminder of what makes Santa Barbara County special—strong partnerships, great conversations, and communities that come together. 🚔🌙
From bubbles and smiles in Santa Barbara to “magic hands” in Lompoc, we loved spending the evening connecting with residents, answering questions, and meeting so many families. 🫧 🪄✋🏼
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, said hello, and helped make National Night Out another memorable evening. We appreciate the opportunity to build relationships that make our communities stronger and safer every day.
...
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Congratulations to Sergeant Kemp on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI)!
Over the course of this intensive program, Sgt. Kemp strengthened the leadership skills, decision-making, and professional development that help build stronger teams and better serve our community. We are proud to see our leaders continue investing in their growth and bringing that knowledge back to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Kemp on this well-earned achievement! 👏🎓💚💛
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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18130300198558302
Congratulations to Sergeant Kemp on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI)!
Over the course of this intensive program, Sgt. Kemp strengthened the leadership skills, decision-making, and professional development that help build stronger teams and better serve our community. We are proud to see our leaders continue investing in their growth and bringing that knowledge back to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Kemp on this well-earned achievement! 👏🎓💚💛
...
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☕ Coffee, conversation, and community ☕
Join us this Saturday, July 11 from 9–11 a.m. at Gina’s Piece of Cake in Orcutt for Coffee with the Crew!
Stop by, grab a cup of coffee, and spend the morning with your Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies and County Fire firefighters. No speeches, no agenda — just a chance to ask questions, share what’s on your mind, or simply say hello.
We hope to see you there! ☕🚒⭐️
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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 17891809719564446
☕ Coffee, conversation, and community ☕
Join us this Saturday, July 11 from 9–11 a.m. at Gina’s Piece of Cake in Orcutt for Coffee with the Crew!
Stop by, grab a cup of coffee, and spend the morning with your Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies and County Fire firefighters. No speeches, no agenda — just a chance to ask questions, share what’s on your mind, or simply say hello.
We hope to see you there! ☕🚒⭐️
...
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When life gives you lemons… call for backup. 🍋🚓
Our deputies made a sweet stop at a neighborhood lemonade stand while out on patrol. Summer is in full swing, and we love seeing kids out creating memories, meeting neighbors, and sharing a little kindness one cup at a time.
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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18121921987703693
When life gives you lemons… call for backup. 🍋🚓
Our deputies made a sweet stop at a neighborhood lemonade stand while out on patrol. Summer is in full swing, and we love seeing kids out creating memories, meeting neighbors, and sharing a little kindness one cup at a time.
...
362
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📞 What really happens after you call the Sheriff’s Office ?
In this edition of Sheriff’s Mini Roundup, From Ring to Response, we take you behind the scenes to show how a call for service is created, prioritized, and dispatched to deputies. It’s a quick look at the people and technology working together to get help where it’s needed.
Watch now and see what happens between the ring of the phone and the arrival of a deputy.
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Open post by santabarbaracountysheriff with ID 18070628900700883
📞 What really happens after you call the Sheriff’s Office ?
In this edition of Sheriff’s Mini Roundup, From Ring to Response, we take you behind the scenes to show how a call for service is created, prioritized, and dispatched to deputies. It’s a quick look at the people and technology working together to get help where it’s needed.
Watch now and see what happens between the ring of the phone and the arrival of a deputy.
...
133
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