Los Angeles County Criminal Courts Guide: Locations, Process & Legal Rights

Facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County requires immediate action and an understanding of how the local judicial system operates.

The LA County routes criminal cases based on offense severity, geographic jurisdiction, and specific charge types. 

Navigating this complex process—from initial arrest to court resolution—demands clear guidance to avoid missed appearances, bench warrants, and severe penalties.

This guide details every major LA County criminal courthouse, outlines the step-by-step legal process, and explains how to protect your rights at every stage.

What Are Los Angeles County Criminal Courts?

The Los Angeles County Superior Court system operates the largest local criminal court network in the United States. Criminal prosecutions in LA County are initiated and litigated by four primary government entities:

1. Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (Handles all felony matters and countywide misdemeanors)

2. Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office (Handles misdemeanor offenses within LA city limits)

3. California Attorney General's Office (Handles specialized state-level crimes and appeals)

4. Federal Agencies & Prosecutors (Handles federal jurisdiction violations in select matters)

Types of Criminal Cases Handled

• Misdemeanors & DUI Charges

• Felonies & Violent Crimes

• Drug & Theft Offenses

• Domestic Violence Cases

• Sex Crimes & Juvenile Offenses

• Probation Violations

Major Los Angeles County Criminal Courthouses & Locations

Case assignment depends on where the alleged incident occurred, offense severity, and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.

Courthouse Name	Location / Address	Primary Case Types Handled
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (CCB)	210 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012	High-profile felonies, preliminary hearings, jury trials, arraignments (Downtown LA).
Airport Courthouse	11701 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045	DUIs, traffic crimes, misdemeanors (LAX/West LA region).
Van Nuys Courthouse West	14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401	DUIs, domestic violence, drug offenses, theft (San Fernando Valley).
Pasadena Courthouse	300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101	Misdemeanors, felonies, local city referrals (Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley).
Long Beach Courthouse	415 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802	Misdemeanors, felonies, local city traffic/DUI arrests (South County).
Torrance Courthouse	825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503	Misdemeanors and felonies (South Bay area).
Compton Courthouse	200 W Compton Blvd, Compton, CA 90220	Misdemeanors, serious felonies (Compton/Gateway Cities).
Lancaster Courthouse	42011 4th St West, Lancaster, CA 93534	Antelope Valley regional criminal matters.
Inglewood Courthouse	1 Regent St, Inglewood, CA 90301	Inglewood and local regional offenses.
San Fernando Courthouse	900 Third St, San Fernando, CA 91340	Northern LA County criminal cases and felony preliminary hearings.

Note: Eisner Gorin LLP also regularly represents clients in nearby regional courthouses including Beverly Hills, Burbank, and Alhambra.

How Criminal Cases Move Through Los Angeles Courts: Step-by-Step Timeline

Understanding the stages of a criminal prosecution helps defendants navigate deadlines, hearings, and defensive strategies effectively.

Stage 1: Criminal Investigation & Arrest

Cases begin with police investigations, on-scene arrests, or citations. Complex matters—such as white-collar crimes or sex crimes—may involve months of investigation before formal filing.

Stage 2: Booking and Bail

Following an arrest, defendants are booked (fingerprints, mugshots, property cataloging). Release options include:

• Posting Bail (determined by the LA County Bail Schedule)

• Own Recognizance (OR) Release

• Citation Release

• Judicial Bail Hearing Release

Stage 3: Prosecutor Case Filing

Prosecutors evaluate police reports and evidence to determine whether to:

• File felony or misdemeanor charges

• Reject the case outright

• Request further investigation

• Offer pre-filing diversion programs

Stage 4: Arraignment

The arraignment is the initial court appearance where:

• Formal charges are read.

• Constitutional rights are explained.

• A plea (Guilty, Not Guilty, or No Contest) is entered.

• Bail conditions are formally set or argued.

Stage 5: Pretrial Hearings & Discovery

Attorneys exchange police reports, video evidence, and forensic records (discovery). Legal motions are argued, witness statements are evaluated, and early plea negotiations occur.

Stage 6: Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only)

Under California law, felony defendants are entitled to a preliminary hearing. A judge reviews the evidence to determine if probable cause exists to hold the defendant for trial.

Stage 7: Plea Bargaining or Trial

Most criminal cases resolve before trial via plea negotiations. Possible dispositions include:

• Case dismissals

• Reduced charges (e.g., felony to misdemeanor reduction)

• Deferred judgment or diversion programs

• Alternative sentencing (community service, probation)

If no agreement is reached, the case moves to a jury trial, ending in an acquittal, conviction, or hung jury.

Stage 8: Sentencing & Post-Conviction

If convicted, penalties may include jail/prison time, probation, restitution, and fines. Post-conviction options include appeals, expungements (PC 1203.4), and habeas corpus petitions.

Relevant California Criminal Statutes

Key Statutory Penal Codes in LA Criminal Proceedings:

• Penal Code 978.5 PC – Failure to Appear: Authorizes bench warrants and additional misdemeanor/felony charges for missed court dates.

• Penal Code 1275 PC – Bail Regulations: Governs factors considered when setting, increasing, or reducing bail.

• Penal Code 995 PC – Motion to Dismiss: Allows defense attorneys to challenge a felony indictment or preliminary hearing ruling due to insufficient probable cause.

• Penal Code 1385 PC – Judicial Dismissal: Authorizes judges to dismiss actions or sentencing enhancements in the furtherance of justice.

What Happens If You Miss a Court Appearance in LA County?

Failing to appear in court as ordered triggers immediate court actions, including:

1. Issuance of a Bench Warrant: Law enforcement can arrest you at any time.

2. Bail Forfeiture: Any posted bail money or property bond may be forfeited to the state.

3. Additional Criminal Charges: Charges under PC 978.5 for Failure to Appear.

4. License Suspensions: DMV holds placed on driver's licenses for traffic/DUI-related offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find which LA courthouse is handling my case?

Your assigned courthouse name and address are printed on your citation paperwork, bail bond agreement, or release documentation. A defense attorney can also check court calendars on your behalf.

Can my attorney appear in court without me?

For many misdemeanor offenses, California Penal Code 977 allows a defense attorney to appear on your behalf. However, felony charges almost always require your personal appearance unless specifically waived by the judge.

What takes place during an arraignment?

At arraignment, you are formally informed of the charges against you, advised of your legal rights, assigned a future court date, and asked to enter an initial plea. Bail arguments are also presented during this appearance.

Do all criminal cases go to trial in Los Angeles?

No. Over 90% of criminal cases in Los Angeles County are resolved prior to trial through case dismissals, pre-trial diversion programs, civil compromises, or negotiated plea agreements.

Contact an Experienced LA Criminal Defense Lawyer

Navigating the Los Angeles County court system without legal representation exposes you to harsh penalties and costly procedural mistakes. Eisner Gorin LLP provides strategic legal representation across all LA County courthouses.

• Phone: (818) 781-1570

• Consultations: Schedule an initial case review online or by telephone today.