Office Closure:
Due to budget reductions, the Fresno County Sheriff Office, Civil Unit has been affected by numerous lay offs of professional staff. In order to stay within compliance of Government Codes, Civil Code of Procedure, Family Code and Penal Code, the Sheriffs Civil Unit has reduced the hours of operation to the public. During this closure time we will be processing your request for service of process and executions of levies, posting civil collections for payments to judgment creditors, and refunds to defendants.

*Deposits to execute levy:
In addition to fees for service, an additional deposit may be required to execute your levy.  Levy deposits are estimates of costs based upon the combination of statutory fees and anticipated expenses related to performing a particular type of levy. Additional deposits may be required in order to offset the actual expenses related to the handling of inventory, moving, safekeeping of property and conducting execution sales. A deposit, sufficient to pay the costs of seizing and storing property, is a prerequisite to the performance of any levy by the Sheriff's Civil Unit. Any portion of the creditor's deposit that is not actually used will be refunded to the judgment creditor. Any deposit paid and used by the Sheriff to execute the levy will increase the total amount to satisfy the judgment.

*Court Order on Application for Fee Waiver can not be used for payment on levy deposits.

Sheriff's Instructions:
A letter of instruction must accompany all process or notices brought to the Sheriff for service or enforcement (CCP 262, 684.130, 687.010 etc.) This letter of instruction is required by law and must include information specific to the type of process or notice you are asking the Sheriff to serve or execute. For example, at a minimum you are required to identify the process or notice you want served or executed, the name and service address of the individual/judgment debtor, a detailed description of any property sought, the relevant code section and must be signed and dated by the plaintiff or attorney of record.  

Certain types of levies, such a real property levy and sale, require very specific instructions. You should be familiar with the specific legal requirements of your process or notice before you submit your paperwork.