Los Angeles Criminal Courts: The Basics
If the State of California has filed criminal charges against you in Los Angeles, your case will likely be heard by the Los Angeles Criminal Courts. These courts constitute one of nine divisions of the Superior Court of California, which include Appellate, Civil, Criminal, Family Law, Juvenile, Mental Health, Small Claims, and Probate. Cases handled by the Criminal Courts involve the proceedings for infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies.
No matter what type of criminal charges you’re facing, you should never face the court alone. While the Los Angeles Superior Court is legally obligated to provide a public defender to represent criminal defendants, these attorneys tend to have limited experience and are often overworked due to high caseloads. Any mistake they make, no matter how minor, can be catastrophic to your case’s outcome.
Instead of leaving your fate in the hands of these overburdened public resources, it’s vital that you consult a top-rated Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who has the skills, resources, and experience to successfully protect your freedom. An attorney experienced in civil cases and criminal cases can help you understand the entire process and list the best possible solutions with the best possible outcomes. Read on for more information on navigating the Superior Court of California: County of Los Angeles, or contact the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for a free consultation.
Visiting the Los Angeles County Criminal Courts for Your Hearing
The Los Angeles County Criminal Courts are dedicated to providing equal access to justice for all members of the community through fair, timely, and efficient resolutions. The Courts serve the 9.5 million residents of Los Angeles County, with several courtrooms spaced throughout the 4,000-square-mile county.
As Los Angeles County has grown over the last 150 years, the legal system has grown with it, creating the need for multiple courthouse locations. Your attorney will inform you of the details to keep in mind for the specific Los Angeles County courthouse your criminal case is scheduled to be heard at, but a variety of rules are used in every Superior Court. These rules, which can help you prepare for your hearing, can be viewed here.
Matters That Can Be Handled Without Visiting the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Building
Not all legal matters in the County of Los Angeles require a court appearance. Some matters can be handled by phone, eliminating the need for you to appear at the Los Angeles Criminal Courts building. Clerical staff can provide different services and answer questions by phone.
If you need any of the following services, call the Los Angeles Criminal Courts building where your case is being heard and inquire about the following services:
- Extensions to pay fines or fees
- Requesting an extension for proof of enrollment or proof of completion in a community service program
- Scheduling an appointment with the clerk’s office
- Requesting copies of minute orders, certification, or case dockets
- Recalling a misdemeanor bench warrant
- Advancing an appearance date
- Re-issuance of paperwork for custody cases
- Termination or modification of a protective order or probation
- Reinstatement to classes pertaining to battery or sexual compulsion
Those facing criminal charges can also call the appropriate courthouse and confirm the date of their court appearance or request another service that will require a court hearing.
Keep in mind that while a few of these matters can be handled on your own, it’s best to let a California criminal law attorney take care of the matters that directly pertain to the outcome of your case. Your Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate many of these issues and provide information as needed regarding records, forms, filing fees, and more. This way, you may be able to protect your rights while getting fair justice for your case.
Obtaining Records From the Criminal Court in Los Angeles
If you need to obtain your records from the Criminal Court in Los Angeles County, you will need to take the following steps:
- Go to the clerk’s office of a Los Angeles criminal courthouse.
- Request, obtain, and fill out a Records Request form and select ‘Conviction Docs’ on that form to file a formal request for your criminal records. The information contained in this document will include all of your convictions from the Criminal Court of Los Angeles since 1978.
- As long as your criminal record is 25 pages or less, you will be able to obtain your criminal record on the same day that you fill out the official request form. There is no charge for a defendant to obtain their criminal record from the Criminal Court of Los Angeles.
Depending on the reason for your records request in the County of Los Angeles, you might not need an attorney to assist you. Anyone who’s been previously convicted of a crime in the Los Angeles Superior Court system should be aware of their post-conviction options, however. One such option is expungement, which allows you to clear your record after serving your sentence.
For more information, please contact the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney to schedule a free consultation. We can help you understand possible routes to navigate your case with possible outcomes.
Los Angeles Criminal Courts Building Address
There are numerous criminal courthouses under the Superior Court of California: County of Los Angeles. The fact that your address falls within a particular district doesn’t mean your case is assigned to that district. Criteria for assigning cases to court locations can be found in the LA County Superior Court Local Rules. A few of the Los Angeles Criminal Courts building addresses are as follows:
Airport Courthouse
11701 S. La Cienega
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Central Arraignment Courthouse
429 Bauchet Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Central Civil West Courthouse
600 South Commonwealth Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
210 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
East Los Angeles Courthouse
4848 E. Civic Center Way
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Eastlake Juvenile Court
1601 Eastlake Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hollywood Courthouse
5925 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Metropolitan Courthouse
1945 South Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Spring Street Courthouse
312 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 North Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The services offered at each of these locations are also available online through the website of the Los Angeles Superior Court in California. The website offers information for defendants and other parties on how to pay fines, search records, forms filing, case files, self-rep info, FAQs, forms, filing fees, Judicial Council of California information, and other important details that may come in handy while facing the court system.
Van Nuys Criminal Court Building
Located at 14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401, the Van Nuys Criminal Court West is open from 7:30 am until 4:30 pm Monday-Friday. The clerk’s office is open from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm Monday-Friday, with both the courts and the clerk’s office being closed on weekends and holidays. There is a parking structure one block east of Van Nuys Blvd, where you can park for a fee. This parking structure closes at 7:00 pm nightly.
Several items are prohibited from being brought into the Van Nuys Criminal Court. While a full list of such items is available here, this list includes aerosol sprays, firearms, knives, handcuffs, handcuff keys, and more. Before your court appearance, it is advised that you thoroughly check that list and make sure that you do not carry any prohibited items into the Van Nuys Criminal Court.
It is important to note that there are also COVID-19 protocols in place to protect the health and safety of employees, alleged offenders, attorneys, and others who are present at the Van Nuys criminal court. If you have any questions regarding these COVID-19 health and safety protocols, you should contact the courthouse during normal business hours at 818-989-6999.
Retain a Trusted Van Nuys Criminal Defense Lawyer When Facing the Criminal Court Downtown
It’s always best to retain an attorney who is conveniently located near the courthouse where your case is being heard. It will help you in many ways to protect your rights as a person in the courtroom. Located at 14401 Sylvan St., Suite 229, Van Nuys, CA 91401, the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney is just a block away from the Van Nuys Criminal Court building, so if you are facing a criminal case here, our attorneys are ready to assist you. You can reach out to us with details of your case, case number, case documents, and details of your charges.
Regardless of your circumstance, you are not alone in your fight. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney today for a free consultation, and we will assist with finding a solution to whatever problem you may face.
