Free Legal Resources for Butte County Residents
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Landlord-tenant disputes, security deposit claims, and real estate transactions in Chico. No local rent control — AB 1482 applies to qualifying buildings. Use our free demand letter generator for deposit disputes.
Criminal defense for misdemeanor and felony charges in Chico. DUI, theft, assault, and drug charges — protect your rights with an experienced local defense attorney.
Car accidents on SR-99, SR-32, slip-and-fall incidents at local businesses, and pedestrian injuries in Chico. If you've been hurt near Chico State, know your rights.
Divorce, child custody, and support cases in Chico. Navigating family court can be complex — get help understanding your rights and options in this community.
Wrongful termination, wage theft, and workplace discrimination claims in Chico's education sector and beyond. California labor protections are among the strongest in the nation.
Create a professional legal demand letter for common Chico legal issues.
1 Court St, Oroville 95965
Self-Help Center Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Butte County Superior Court, 1 Court St, Oroville or Chico branch)
Busiest Days: Monday mornings are busiest; the Chico branch handles traffic and small claims
Butte County Superior Court offers mediation through the Butte County Bar Association. Free mediation available for small claims.
Local Rule: Butte County has expedited procedures for fire-related insurance disputes and Camp Fire recovery litigation
Key Industry agriculture and food processing dominate Chico's economy. Farm labor disputes, wage violations, and water rights are frequent legal issues.
SR-99 corridors including SR-99, SR-32 serve Chico. Car accidents, commuter injuries, and road-rage incidents generate significant personal injury claims.
AB 1482 Chico is covered by California's statewide AB 1482 tenant protections. Landlord-tenant disputes, security deposits, and eviction defense are common.
College Town Chico's educational institutions generate student housing disputes, Title IX cases, and academic employment issues.
City-specific regulations beyond California state law that affect Chico residents.
Requires landlords to provide relocation assistance to tenants displaced by no-fault evictions. Assistance amounts based on unit size. Applies to buildings covered by AB 1482.
Regulates camping on public property with designated areas. Enacted in response to Camp Fire displacement. Violations subject to warnings and citations after shelter alternatives offered.
Waives development impact fees for ADUs to encourage housing production after Camp Fire housing crisis. Pre-approved plans available to expedite construction.
Allows limited cannabis retail stores with conditional use permits. Dispensaries must maintain 1,000-foot buffer from schools. Annual license fees and community benefit requirements apply.
Real-world legal scenarios frequently seen in the Chico area.
A Paradise family who relocated to Chico after the 2018 Camp Fire had their homeowners insurance claim denied for alleged policy lapse. The insurer failed to properly notify the policyholder of premium increases before the fire.
Multiple students in off-campus housing near CSU Chico were charged excessive cleaning and repair fees from their security deposits. The landlord failed to conduct proper move-in inspections and could not document pre-existing damage.
Seasonal farmworkers in the Chico area were paid below minimum wage through illegal deductions for tools and transportation. The employer also failed to provide required heat illness prevention measures during summer harvest.
A Chico landlord raised rents 50% after the Camp Fire brought thousands of displaced residents. The increase violated California's anti-price gouging statute (Penal Code 396) during a declared emergency.
Different areas of Chico face distinct legal challenges.
Student housing disputes, security deposit theft, noise violations, bike accident claims near campus
Commercial lease disputes, nightlife-related DUI and assault cases, sidewalk vendor regulations
Agricultural worker housing habitability, immigration matters, farm labor wage disputes
New construction defects from post-fire building boom, HOA disputes, traffic accidents on Skyway
Rural property disputes, agricultural nuisance complaints, well water contamination issues
Legal issues in Chico that follow seasonal patterns.
Wildfire risk in the foothills creates insurance coverage disputes, evacuation planning conflicts, and smoke damage claims. PTSD from Camp Fire still affects litigation.
CSU Chico student influx creates surge in rental scams, security deposit disputes, lease signing issues, and housing shortage complaints.
Agricultural labor disputes peak with almond, walnut, and rice harvests. Heat illness claims, overtime violations, and wage theft increase.
Approximate ranges based on Butte County court data. Every case is unique.
Disclaimer: These ranges are illustrative estimates. Actual outcomes depend on case specifics. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Several organizations provide free legal services to Chico residents who meet income requirements.
125% FPL Provides free civil legal services to low-income Butte County residents, including housing, public benefits, and disaster recovery legal assistance.
125% FPL Serves rural communities in Butte County with free legal help on employment, housing, and immigration matters.
2026 Federal Poverty Level: $33,000 for family of 4. 125% FPL = $41,250 · 200% FPL = $66,000. Fee waiver forms available for court filing costs.
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