Program Description

  Civil Process

The Sheriff's Office is mandated to serve all civil processes as directed by the courts or private litigants and file returns to the court. These papers include summons, subpoenas, failure-to-pay rent notices, and other court documents. The Civil Process function is supported by deputies, who research and serve papers, and by administrative staff, who maintain the tracking process. The Sheriff's Office also executes court-ordered attachments, personal and real property seizures, and replevins (a civil action to recover property wrongfully held). As a final step in resolution of a court judgment, the Sheriff's Office conducts sales of seized or attached property. In the case of evictions, the Sheriff's Office restores real property to property owners by evicting tenants and their possessions as directed by the court. When appropriate, tenants are referred to human service agencies.