United States Courthouse – Roybal Federal Building

The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse is one of the most important federal court facilities in Southern California.

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the courthouse handles a wide range of federal criminal, civil, immigration, and administrative matters involving the United States District Court system.

Federal criminal investigations and prosecutions handled at the Roybal Courthouse often involve complex legal issues, extensive investigations, and severe sentencing exposure.

Individuals appearing at the courthouse may include defendants, attorneys, federal agents, prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, and members of the public.

The courthouse commonly handles matters involving:

Federal criminal cases
White-collar crime prosecutions
Drug trafficking investigations
Federal fraud allegations
Immigration proceedings
Federal civil litigation
Government agency hearings
Constitutional law disputes

Federal cases differ significantly from California state court proceedings and often involve stricter procedural rules and sentencing guidelines.

Eisner Gorin LLP is here to help. Schedule your consultation today. Our law firm is based in Los Angeles.

Roybal Federal Courthouse Address and Information

Courthouse Location

Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse

Address:
255 East Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

The courthouse is located in downtown Los Angeles near the federal court district and government buildings.

Federal Criminal Cases Handled at the Roybal Courthouse

Common Federal Criminal Charges

The Roybal Courthouse handles many federal criminal prosecutions filed in the Central District of California.

Federal criminal cases commonly include:

Wire fraud
Healthcare fraud
Mail fraud
Federal drug trafficking
Money laundering
Tax fraud
Identity theft
Conspiracy allegations
Federal firearms offenses
Cybercrime investigations

Federal criminal investigations are often conducted over months or years before formal charges are filed.

Potential federal penalties may include:

Federal prison sentences
Asset forfeiture
Heavy financial fines
Supervised release
Immigration consequences

Federal prosecutors and investigators often dedicate substantial resources to these cases.

Federal Agencies Commonly Involved

Federal Law Enforcement Investigations

Many federal cases at the Roybal Courthouse involve investigations conducted by federal agencies.

Common federal agencies may include:

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The FBI investigates white-collar crimes, fraud, corruption, cybercrime, and conspiracy allegations.

Drug Enforcement Administration

The DEA investigates federal drug trafficking and narcotics conspiracies.

Internal Revenue Service

IRS investigations often involve tax fraud, money laundering, and financial crimes.

Department of Homeland Security

DHS investigations may involve immigration-related offenses, trafficking allegations, and border-related investigations.

United States Secret Service

The Secret Service investigates financial crimes, counterfeiting, and cyber-related offenses.

Federal investigations frequently involve:

Search warrants
Electronic surveillance
Grand jury subpoenas
Financial record analysis
Undercover operations

Federal Criminal Court Process

What to Expect in Federal Court

Federal criminal cases follow procedures different from California state court proceedings.

Investigation Stage

Federal investigations often begin long before charges are filed.

Federal agents may:

Conduct surveillance
Execute search warrants
Serve subpoenas
Analyze electronic communications
Interview witnesses

Targets of federal investigations should consider seeking legal representation immediately.

Criminal Complaint and Arrest

Federal charges may begin through:

Criminal complaints
Grand jury indictments

Federal arrests are often coordinated and highly structured.

Initial Appearance

Following arrest, defendants appear before a federal magistrate judge for:

Advisement of charges
Bail determinations
Appointment of counsel if necessary

Detention Hearings

Federal judges determine whether defendants remain in custody pending trial.

Federal detention decisions often consider:

Flight risk
Danger to the community
Criminal history
Nature of the allegations

Discovery and Pretrial Proceedings

Attorneys review evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and file pretrial motions.

Federal Jury Trials

If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to federal trial before a judge or jury.

Federal Sentencing

Federal sentencing often involves:

United States Sentencing Guidelines
Mandatory minimum sentencing laws
Sentencing enhancements

Federal prison sentences may be severe depending on the allegations involved.

White-Collar Crime Cases at the Roybal Courthouse

Federal Fraud and Financial Crime Defense

The Roybal Courthouse frequently handles complex white-collar criminal prosecutions.

Common allegations may include:

Securities fraud
Healthcare fraud
Bank fraud
Wire fraud
Embezzlement
Public corruption
Identity theft

Federal white-collar cases often involve:

Large financial records
Electronic evidence
Business records
Multiple defendants
Long-term investigations

Federal prosecutors aggressively pursue financial crime allegations involving substantial losses or sophisticated conduct.

Immigration Proceedings and Federal Matters

Immigration and Federal Administrative Hearings

The Roybal Federal Building also houses important federal administrative and immigration-related functions.

Immigration-related matters may involve:

Deportation proceedings
Removal hearings
Immigration detention matters
Federal immigration litigation

Federal immigration proceedings may create severe consequences for non-citizens, including removal from the United States.

Why Federal Criminal Cases Are Different

Federal Cases Often Carry Greater Risks

Federal criminal prosecutions differ significantly from California state criminal cases.

Federal cases often involve:

Longer investigations
Greater prosecutorial resources
More extensive evidence collection
Higher conviction rates
Strict federal sentencing guidelines

Federal prosecutors frequently build cases using:

Cooperating witnesses
Financial records
Electronic communications
Surveillance evidence
Grand jury testimony

Because federal prosecutors often spend significant time preparing cases before filing charges, early legal representation is especially important.

Why Hiring a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Matters

Importance of Early Federal Defense Representation

Federal investigations may begin months or years before defendants learn they are targets.

An experienced federal criminal defense attorney may assist with:

Responding to subpoenas
Challenging search warrants
Communicating with federal prosecutors
Conducting independent investigations
Negotiating pre-indictment resolutions
Preparing trial defenses

Early legal intervention may significantly affect the direction and outcome of a federal investigation.

Security Procedures at the Roybal Courthouse

What Visitors Should Expect

All visitors entering the Roybal Federal Courthouse must pass through federal security screening.

Visitors should expect:

Metal detectors
Identification checks
Bag screening
Restricted electronic device policies

Prohibited items commonly include:

Weapons
Sharp objects
Pepper spray
Certain electronic devices

Visitors should arrive early due to strict federal security procedures.

Parking and Transportation Information

Transportation Access Near the Courthouse

The courthouse is located in downtown Los Angeles near major transportation routes.

Transportation options may include:

Public parking structures
Metro rail services
Bus routes
Rideshare services
Taxi transportation

Public transportation access is available through the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Traffic congestion in downtown Los Angeles may significantly affect travel times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the Roybal Federal Courthouse located?

The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse is located at 255 East Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles.

What types of cases are handled there?

The courthouse handles federal criminal cases, civil litigation, immigration matters, and federal administrative proceedings.

Which federal agencies investigate cases at the courthouse?

Common agencies include the FBI, DEA, IRS, DHS, and Secret Service.

Are federal criminal penalties more severe than state penalties?

In many situations, yes. Federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum laws may create substantial prison exposure.

What happens after a federal arrest?

Defendants generally appear before a magistrate judge for initial appearance, bail review, and scheduling of future proceedings.

Should I hire a lawyer during a federal investigation?

Yes. Early legal representation may significantly affect the direction and outcome of a federal investigation.

Speak With a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Protect Your Rights in Federal Court

Federal investigations and prosecutions handled at the Roybal Federal Courthouse may carry severe criminal, financial, immigration, and professional consequences. Early and experienced legal representation may help protect your rights and future.

A federal criminal defense attorney may assist with:

Federal criminal defense
White-collar crime investigations
Federal drug cases
Wire fraud allegations
Grand jury investigations
Federal trial defense
Pre-indictment representation

If you are under investigation or scheduled to appear at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse, experienced legal guidance may help you better understand your legal rights and defense options.

Eisner Gorin LLP is here to help. Schedule your consultation by calling (818) 781-1570 or using the contact form here.