AREAS OF JURISDICTION
The Pala Tribal Court exercises the following areas of jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction
Civil Citations
The Pala Tribal Court exercises civil jurisdiction over all visitors, residents, and Pala Tribal Members of the Pala Indian Reservation, including the Pala Casino and Resort, pursuant to the Pala Peace and Security Ordinance.
If you are cited for violating the Ordinance, the Court can impose a civil citation fine against you. The Schedule of Fines can be found here.
Please note that if you fail to appear for a scheduled hearing, you may be found in default and subject to a doubled fine pursuant to Peace and Security Ordinance §6.H.3.
The Pala Tribal Court strongly encourages you to contact the Court Clerk and Request a Continuance to avoid additional fines.
Family Court
The Pala Tribal Court exercises jurisdiction in Family law matters involving at least one of the following:
- An enrolled Pala Band Tribal member.
- An enrolled Pala Band Tribal member child(ren).
- Children who are eligible for Tribal membership in the Pala Band.
- Children with at least one biological parent who is an enrolled Pala Band Tribal member (direct descendants).
The Tribal Court hears the following Family Law subject areas:
- Child Welfare (Dependency)
- Child Support
- Parentage
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Adoptions and Guardianships
Conservatorships
The Pala Tribal Court exercises jurisdiction over both the Person (individual) and the Estate (money, property) for those individuals who meet the criteria of a vulnerable or incompetent adult pursuant to the Tribe’s Adult Protection Ordinance.
Restraining Orders
The Pala Tribal Court issues restraining orders for the prevention of domestic violence and civil harassment.