Los Angeles County has one of the busiest court systems in California, serving a population of more than 10 million people. With a wide range of courthouse locations, it’s important to understand which courthouse handles your type of case and what services are available.
Five courthouses in Los Angeles to know about are the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, the Santa Monica Courthouse, and the Van Nuys Courthouse East.
If you’re facing a court date for a criminal, civil, traffic, or juvenile matter, understanding the functions of each one can be helpful. From courtroom operations to Self-Help Center services and interpreter availability, each site supports different needs. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can provide guidance if you have matters to attend to at a Los Angeles courthouse.
Overview of Los Angeles Courts
The Superior Court of Los Angeles County is the state trial court system responsible for handling criminal and civil cases, small claims, family law, probate, and more. With multiple courthouse locations, operations run Monday through Friday, typically from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Los Angeles courts provide public services like the Self-Help Service Catalog. Many offer access to Spanish interpreters, media agencies, and Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations.
Below is an overview of the five main courthouses in Los Angeles and what you can expect if you need to attend one of them. Remember, a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can answer your questions about courthouses and legal proceedings.
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1. Los Angeles County Superior Court: The Heart of Justice
Often referred to as the LA County Superior Court, this central courthouse handles a large portion of the county’s judicial services. It includes civil courtrooms, criminal arraignments, mental health matters, and appellate cases.
Located in Downtown Los Angeles, this court serves as the administrative hub for many court operations. Departments include Judicial Referrals, Criminal Justice Act coordination, and Bail Review Hearings.
For those attending, be aware of security screenings, assigned judicial officers, and media center guidelines. Jurors and visitors can expect posted court ID and juror details before entry.
2. Stanley Mosk Courthouse: Iconic and Historic
The Stanley Mosk Courthouse is a well-known site for civil trials, restraining orders, and family law matters. It is located near public spots like California Plaza and offers access to services Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
This building is also part of the Los Angeles Superior Court system and includes Appellate Division functions, court calendars, and intake units for certain legal services. There are public transportation and parking options nearby, and courthouse maps provide directions to specific courtrooms using physical landmarks and building signage.
3. Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center: Crime and Punishment
This facility focuses on criminal cases in the County of Los Angeles. It’s where arraignments, pleas, sentencing, and related hearings take place for felony and misdemeanor cases. The court also handles Probation and PACE programs, as well as matters involving investigators and defense counsel.
Located in the heart of Downtown, the center works closely with law enforcement and offers high-level court security. Daily operations include intake hearings, interpreter requests, and Judicial Referrals.
Electronic systems, including reservation tools and digital filing, help streamline processes, though court delays may occur during security events or scheduled system updates.
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4. Santa Monica Courthouse: The Beachside Venue
The Santa Monica Courthouse serves the Southwest District and covers matters like traffic, small claims, and some civil disputes. It’s located close to public areas like the Santa Monica Pier and provides both indoor and outdoor waiting areas.
While smaller than others, this courthouse offers full access to Self-Help Center support and often holds hearings related to restraining orders, family matters, and ticket appeals.
Court hours remain 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with services provided for those living in nearby areas such as La Canada Flintridge, Montrose, and Manhattan Beach.
5. Van Nuys Courthouse East: The Valley’s Legal Hub
The Van Nuys Courthouse East serves as a central point for legal matters in the San Fernando Valley. This courthouse handles a range of criminal, civil, and traffic cases and supports both limited and unlimited jurisdiction matters for residents in the surrounding areas.
Services include Self-Help Center support, restraining orders, criminal arraignments, and family law hearings. Public access to court information, interpreters, and case calendars is also available on-site.
Nearby transportation and parking options make this courthouse accessible to those living in communities such as La Crescenta, Sherman Oaks, and North Hollywood.
A Lawyer Can Answer Your Courthouse Questions Today
If you need to go to court for a car accident case, you may feel unsure about which courthouse to attend or what documents to bring for a court hearing. In that case, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney. Each court in Los Angeles County follows its own procedures, from jury selection to filing requirements and remote hearing access.
Taking the time to understand how the Los Angeles County Superior Court system works can help you feel more prepared. If you’re dealing with a legal matter in California, make sure to review official court sources and to speak to a lawyer at Simmrin Law Group. We have decades of legal experience and can guide you through the next steps.
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