Los Angeles County Criminal Courts Guide
If you are facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County, knowing which courthouse will handle your case is critical.
Los Angeles County operates one of the largest criminal court systems in the country, with multiple courthouses serving different cities, neighborhoods, and case types.
Your case assignment typically depends on where the alleged offense occurred, the severity of the charges, and whether the case involves misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile offenses, DUI charges, domestic violence cases, or other criminal matters.
Understanding where your case will be heard and what to expect at each stage can help you avoid missed appearances, warrants, and costly mistakes.
For the best chance at a positive outcome, consult an experienced California criminal defense attorney at Eisner Gorin LLP. To schedule a consultation, call (818) 781-1570 or contact us here.
What Are Los Angeles County Criminal Courts?
Los Angeles County criminal courts handle prosecutions brought by:
- Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
- Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
- California Attorney General's Office
- Federal agencies in certain situations
These courts handle matters involving:
- Misdemeanors
- Felonies
- DUI charges
- Drug crimes
- Theft offenses
- Domestic violence cases
- Violent crimes
- Sex crimes
- Juvenile cases
- Probation violations
Major Los Angeles County Criminal Courthouses
Los Angeles County has multiple criminal courthouses that serve different geographic regions.
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
This downtown Los Angeles courthouse handles many serious felony cases and high-profile criminal matters.
Location:
210 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Common cases handled:
- Serious felony charges
- Preliminary hearings
- Trial proceedings
- Arraignments
We also handle cases in the nearby Beverly Hills and Burbank Courts.
Airport Courthouse
The LAX Airport Court frequently handles misdemeanor and traffic-related criminal matters.
Location:
11701 South La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Common cases handled:
- DUI cases
- Traffic crimes
- Misdemeanors
Van Nuys Courthouse West
This courthouse serves much of the San Fernando Valley.
Location:
14400 Erwin Street Mall
Van Nuys, CA 91401
Common cases handled:
- DUI charges
- Domestic violence
- Drug offenses
- Theft crimes
Pasadena Courthouse
Handles criminal matters from Pasadena and nearby areas.
Location:
300 East Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
We also handle cases in the nearby Alhambra Courthouse
Long Beach Courthouse
Handles criminal cases from Long Beach and the surrounding communities.
Location:
415 West Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802
Torrance Courthouse
Serves South Bay communities.
Location:
825 Maple Avenue
Torrance, CA 90503
Compton Courthouse
Handles criminal cases from Compton and nearby areas.
Location:
200 West Compton Boulevard
Compton, CA 90220
Lancaster Courthouse
Handles criminal matters in Antelope Valley.
Location:
42011 4th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
Inglewood Courthouse
Handles criminal cases in Inglewood and nearby cities.
Location:
One Regent Street
Inglewood, CA 90301
San Fernando Courthouse
Handles criminal cases in northern Los Angeles County.
Location:
900 Third Street
San Fernando, CA 91340
How Criminal Cases Move Through Los Angeles Courts
Most criminal cases in Los Angeles County follow a structured legal process, although the timeline can vary depending on whether the case involves misdemeanor charges, felony allegations, complex investigations, or negotiated plea agreements.
Understanding each stage can help defendants prepare for what comes next.
Arrest or criminal investigation
A criminal case often begins when law enforcement investigates allegations of criminal activity. Police may arrest someone at the scene, issue a citation, or continue investigating before submitting the case to prosecutors for filing consideration.
In some white-collar crimes, sex crime investigations, and federal matters, arrests may not happen until months after the initial investigation begins.
Booking and bail
After an arrest, the defendant may be booked into the county jail. This process typically includes:
- Fingerprinting
- Mugshots
- Personal information collection
- Property inventory
Depending on the charges, the defendant may be released through:
- Posting bail
- Own recognizance release
- Citation release
- Judicial release after a bail hearing
For serious felony cases, prosecutors may request high bail or no bail.
Prosecutors file formal charges
The Los Angeles County District Attorney or City Attorney reviews police reports and evidence to decide whether formal charges should be filed.
Prosecutors may:
- File felony charges
- File misdemeanor charges
- Reject the case
- Request additional investigation
- Offer pre-filing diversion in limited cases
Arraignment
The arraignment is usually the first formal court appearance.
During this hearing:
- The defendant hears the formal charges
- The judge advises the defendant of their rights
- Bail issues may be addressed
- The defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest
Future court dates are typically scheduled at this hearing.
Pretrial hearings
Many criminal cases involve multiple pretrial hearings where attorneys:
- Exchange evidence
- File legal motions
- Negotiate plea agreements
- Discuss possible dismissals
- Address witness issues
This phase often determines whether a case resolves early or moves toward trial.
Preliminary hearing (felony cases)
In felony cases, the court may hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to move forward.
The judge decides whether probable cause exists to continue the case.
Plea negotiations
Many Los Angeles criminal cases are resolved through negotiated plea agreements rather than trial.
Possible outcomes include:
- Reduced charges
- Alternative sentencing
- Diversion programs
- Dismissing certain counts
Trial
If no agreement is reached, the case may proceed to trial.
This may involve:
- Jury selection
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
The defendant may be found guilty, not guilty, or the jury may deadlock.
Sentencing
If there is a conviction or plea agreement, sentencing follows.
Potential penalties may include:
- Jail
- Prison
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Counseling programs
- Restitution
Appeals and post-conviction relief
Some defendants may pursue additional legal options after sentencing, including:
- Appeals
- Expungements
- Sentence modifications
- Habeas corpus petitions
Example Timeline
A person arrested for DUI in Los Angeles may go through booking, arraignment, pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, and sentencing within a few months.
A felony fraud case may take a year or longer due to a complex evidence review.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Each stage of the criminal court process presents risks and opportunities. An experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can protect your rights, challenge weak evidence, negotiate favorable outcomes, and help you avoid costly mistakes throughout the court process.
What Happens If You Miss Court?
Missing a court appearance can lead to serious consequences.
Possible penalties include:
- Bench warrants
- Additional criminal charges
- Bail forfeiture
- Driver's license consequences in certain cases
How to Find Your Assigned Courthouse
Your assigned courthouse is typically listed on:
- Citation paperwork
- Bail documents
- Court notices
- Release paperwork
Your criminal defense attorney can also confirm your court assignment.
Why Court Location Matters
Different Los Angeles courthouses may vary in:
- Judicial practices
- Sentencing tendencies
- Diversion opportunities
- Scheduling timelines
Local experience with specific courthouses can be extremely valuable.
Related California Laws
Penal Code 978.5 – Failure to Appear
This law addresses missed required court appearances.
Penal Code 1275 – Bail
This statute governs bail decisions.
Penal Code 995 – Motion to Dismiss
Allows felony defendants to challenge insufficient evidence.
Penal Code 1385 – Judicial Dismissals
Allows judges to dismiss cases in the public interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which courthouse handles my case?
Your paperwork usually lists your assigned courthouse.
Can my attorney appear for me?
Sometimes in misdemeanor cases, but felony cases often require a personal appearance.
What happens at arraignment?
You hear formal charges and enter a plea.
What happens if I miss court?
A judge may issue a bench warrant.
Do all criminal cases go to trial?
No. Many cases are resolved through dismissals, plea agreements, or diversion programs.
Speak With a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the court system and protect your rights at every stage of your case.
Eisner Gorin LLP is available to assist you. Book your consultation by calling (818) 781-1570 or filling out the contact form.
If you have one phone call from jail, call us! If you are facing criminal charges,