Courthouse in Van Nuys
Located in Los Angeles County, the courthouse handles a variety of criminal offenses, including traffic misdemeanors, civil disturbances, and felonies. You will likely hear your case in this building if you are charged with a crime in Van Nuys, California.
Whether you are visiting the courthouse for the first time or someone you know needs to attend a criminal court case at the Van Nuys Courthouse, the Law Office of Christopher Chaney can be of assistance. We have extensive knowledge of the local judicial system and can advise you on navigating through your court hearing.
Important Facts About Van Nuys Courthouse
Every courthouse has unique systems, procedures, and preferences; the same applies to the Van Nuys county superior court. If you are charged with a DUI or any other crime, your case will be heard either at the Van Nuys Courthouse East or the Van Nuys Courthouse West.
The Van Nuys Courthouse East is located on Sylmar and Delano St. It handles civil, family law, and juvenile traffic cases. As well as small claims court, it offers evaluations, mediation services, mandatory parent education classes, and many other services.
The Family Law Clerk’s office can handle most domestic issues. You can consult a restraining order attorney if you have a domestic violence case.
The Van Nuys West courthouse is part of the northwest judicial district of Los Angeles and the location of the Los Angeles Superior Court, the largest state trial court in the nation. The courthouse houses 37 courts and serves over 10 million people. Every type of court case under California State Law.
Whether your case will be heard at Van Nuys Courthouse West or Van Nuys Courthouse East, you will need a qualified attorney who has successfully handled cases like yours in the specific location that applies to you. An experienced attorney can acquaint you with the ins and outs of the legal process during your case. They will also represent you in your case in front of a judge.
You can work with expungement attorney Christopher Chaney if you are seeking an expungement. Get in touch today!
Contact Information
Please call the Van Nuys Courthouse West information at (818-989-6900) to make general inquiries. You can also check out the Van Nuys Court West info page. Other Van Nuys Courthouse West phone numbers are:
- Alcohol program: 818-997-0414
- Community service: 818-376-1066
- Criminal Clerks office: 818-989-6998
- Sheriff’s Office: 818-374-2511
- Traffic Clerks’ Office: 818-989-6999
- Traffic Night Court: 818-989-6999
- Traffic Telephone payments: 213-742-1884
Hours of Operation
The courthouse is open between 7 AM to 4:30 PM. The clerks’ offices are open between 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, except during court holidays.
Traffic Night Court opens every 1st Thursday of the month, and you can also call for telephone traffic payments on Saturdays and Sundays, 7 AM to 7 PM.
Each division of the courthouse has its unique hours of availability, which can change without a public announcement. Make an appointment by calling the main Van Nuys Courthouse number.
Location and Parking for the Van Nuys Courthouse
Van Nuys East Courthouse address is 6230 Sylmar Street, Van Nuys, CA 91401.
Parking is available one block away at the public parking structure at 6171 Sylmar Avenue between Delano St. and Calvert St. (one block east of Van Nuys Blvd) for about $9 per day, payable at the ticket booth on the 4th level. The parking structure closes at 7:00 PM. You can also find metered parking along nearby streets.
Van Nuys Courthouse West’s address is 1440 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401. Parking is available one block away in an underground parking structure below the courthouse for about $8 per day. The parking structure closes at 7:00 PM. You can also find metered and free street parking if you are willing to walk nearby streets.
How to Find Out About Your Court Date or Arraignment
Court dates are usually listed at the bottom of any citation or bail report notice. Upon release, you will be given an official bail report indicating your return date to court. To avoid penalties, arrive at Courthouse West by the time listed on your citation or bail report notice. Both you and your defense attorney must arrive at the Courthouse West on the specified date.
Upon arraignment, you have the right to appear in court. Where you will be prosecuted will depend on where you are charged and which government agency investigated the case.
At this hearing, the judge reads the criminal charges against the defendant, who will usually plead not guilty. Your attorney will be able to see the police report, and the judge will decide to either set bail and put you in custody or allow you to remain free during court proceedings.
The judge may release you based on your promise to report for trial on the date scheduled. However, if the judge decides to put you in custody, you must post the specified bail amount before being released. Failure to pay your bail would mean that you will remain in the County jail for the duration of your case.
You will probably be nervous if this is your first time being prosecuted. Hiring a misdemeanor attorney to represent you is in your best interest. An attorney will explain your rights to you in detail and can increase your chances of convincing the judge to allow you to remain free during your court proceedings.
What Security Measures Can I expect at the courthouse?
Like all courthouses, the Van Nuys courthouses are typically strictly regulated, so only bring what you need to avoid unnecessary time wastage. You may be searched or passed through a scanner before entering the courthouse or a particular courtroom.
Ensure you do not have anything considered a weapon, as weaponry is illegal in government buildings, and you will not be allowed in the courtroom. Weapons and sharp objects are prohibited in the courthouse or any other county government building.
When entering the courthouse, you must follow all security procedures. Violating these rules will likely lead to your arrest. Respect all security personnel and follow their instructions. Any violation of courtroom rules will be documented, which may negatively affect the outcome of your case.
Get Help From an Experienced Attorney
Defending yourself against criminal charges at the Van Nuys Courthouse can be easier with the help of a qualified criminal lawyer. Call the Law Office of Christopher Chaney to ensure an excellent outcome for your case.
