The Lamont courthouse is the local face of the Kern County Superior Court for the southeast corner of the county — Lamont, Arvin, Weedpatch, and the surrounding farm communities. It’s a small branch on Main Street in Lamont, and for residents of the area it’s the closest courthouse for everyday matters. But there’s an important catch that confuses a lot of families after an arrest, and we’ll explain it clearly below.

This guide covers the practical details: where the courthouse is, when it’s open, what it actually handles, where in-custody cases are really heard, and what to expect when you show up. We’ve helped Arvin and Lamont families through the Kern County courts for over 50 years.

Quick facts: Lamont courthouse

Official name

Kern County Superior Court — Lamont Branch

Address

12022 Main St, Lamont, CA 93241

Phone

(661) 610-7100

Hours

Mon–Thu 8:00 am–4:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am–12:00 pm

Serves

Lamont, Arvin, Weedpatch, and southeast Kern County

Directions

West side of Main St, just south of the post office

The most important thing to understand

Here’s what trips up many Arvin and Lamont families: the Lamont branch is not where an in-custody criminal arraignment usually happens.

The Lamont courthouse generally handles local, lower-level matters — traffic citations, infractions, and similar business for area residents. But when someone is arrested and booked into the Kern County jail, their first court appearance — the arraignment, where charges are read and bail is addressed — is typically scheduled at the Metropolitan Division in downtown Bakersfield, the county’s main criminal courthouse. That’s true even for people who live in Arvin or Lamont.

So if you’re trying to figure out where to be for a loved one who’s in jail, the answer is usually downtown Bakersfield, not Lamont. The release or court paperwork is the source of truth — it lists the exact courthouse, department, date, and time. If you can’t find it or it’s unclear, call us and we’ll help you confirm.

What to expect at an arraignment

The arraignment is the first court date after an arrest. It’s usually short. The judge formally states the charges, the defendant enters a plea (often “not guilty” at this stage), and the court addresses bail — whether to keep the existing amount, raise or lower it, or consider release on the defendant’s own recognizance. If bail has already been posted through a bondsman, the defendant appears from out of custody rather than from jail.

A few things worth knowing:

• Arrive early. Build in time for parking and the security line.
• Bring photo ID and your paperwork. A case or citation number makes everything faster.
• Dress neatly and silence your phone before entering the courtroom.
• Interpreters are available. Kern County courts provide court interpreters; let the court know if one is needed.

Posting bail before the court date

You don’t have to wait for the arraignment to get someone out. In most cases bail is already set under the county bail schedule at the time of booking, which means a bond can be posted right away — often the same night — so your loved one is home before they ever see a judge.

The process is simple: call us, we confirm the charges and bail amount, you sign (by phone, online, or in person), and we post the bond at the jail. The California premium is 10% of the full bail amount, and we offer payment plans. You can estimate the cost with our free bail bond calculator, and confirm where your loved one is held with our Kern County inmate locator.

Drive times to the Lamont courthouse

Need bail help for someone from Arvin or Lamont? Our Arvin bail bonds page walks through booking, jail, and release specifically for that community.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lamont courthouse still open?

Yes. The Lamont branch operates at 12022 Main St, generally Monday through Thursday 8:00 am–4:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am–12:00 pm. Because court schedules can change, confirm by calling (661) 610-7100 before you go.

Will my loved one’s jail case be heard in Lamont?

Usually not. In-custody arraignments for the area are typically held at the Metropolitan Division in downtown Bakersfield. The Lamont branch handles local matters like traffic and infractions. Always confirm the courthouse on the paperwork.

Can I pay a traffic fine or handle a citation at Lamont?

The Lamont branch handles local traffic and infraction matters for the area. For the current process and which payments can be made online versus in person, check with the court directly or see the Kern County courthouse locations page.

What happens if a court date is missed?

Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant and bail forfeiture. If you or your loved one missed a date, contact the court and your bail agent immediately — acting fast gives the best chance to resolve it before further consequences.

Do you serve the Arvin and Lamont area?

Yes. Cowboy Bail Bonds serves all of Kern County, including Arvin, Lamont, and Weedpatch. We have bilingual agents on staff. Se Habla Español.