When someone is arrested in California, their arraignment and all future court appearances are held at the courthouse that has jurisdiction over the area where the arrest occurred. Knowing the correct courthouse is essential for defendants, family members, and attorneys to ensure appearances are made on time and at the right location.
At My Rights Law, our criminal defense attorneys regularly appear at courthouses across six Southern California counties. If your loved one has been arrested and you need an attorney at any of the courthouses listed below, call us at (888) 702-8845 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7, offer flat fee pricing, and provide immediate confidential jail visits so your loved one has legal counsel before they ever step into a courtroom.
Below is a complete directory of criminal courthouses in the counties we serve, including addresses, phone numbers, and the communities each courthouse covers.
Los Angeles County operates one of the largest court systems in the world, with dozens of courthouses handling criminal matters. The courthouse where a case is heard depends on the geographic area where the arrest took place.
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-7777
The primary felony courthouse for downtown and central Los Angeles. Handles major felony arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials. One of the busiest criminal courthouses in the country.
Metropolitan Courthouse
1945 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 742-1884
Handles misdemeanor cases for central Los Angeles.
Van Nuys Courthouse West
14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 374-2207
Serves Van Nuys, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Reseda, Woodland Hills, and surrounding San Fernando Valley communities.
San Fernando Courthouse
900 Third Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 898-2401
Serves San Fernando, Sylmar, Pacoima, Sun Valley, and surrounding communities in the northern San Fernando Valley.
Alhambra Courthouse
150 West Commonwealth Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 308-5300
Serves Alhambra, San Gabriel, Monterey Park, Rosemead, and surrounding communities.
El Monte Courthouse
11234 East Valley Boulevard, El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 575-4102
Serves El Monte, Baldwin Park, Covina, Azusa, and surrounding communities.
Pasadena Courthouse
300 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 396-3262
Serves Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and surrounding communities.
West Covina Courthouse
1427 West Covina Parkway, West Covina, CA 91790
(626) 813-3218
Serves West Covina, Covina, Glendora, and surrounding communities.
Pomona Courthouse South
400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766
(909) 802-1100
Serves Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas, Diamond Bar, and surrounding communities.
Airport Courthouse
11701 South La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 727-6010
Serves Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood, and communities near LAX.
Torrance Courthouse
825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 222-8808
Serves Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, and surrounding South Bay communities.
Compton Courthouse
200 West Compton Boulevard, Compton, CA 90220
(310) 605-4011
Serves Compton, Lynwood, Paramount, Carson, and surrounding communities.
Inglewood Courthouse
One Regent Street, Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 419-5121
Serves Inglewood, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Gardena, and surrounding communities.
Long Beach Courthouse
275 Magnolia Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 491-6100
Serves Long Beach, Signal Hill, and surrounding communities.
Bellflower Courthouse
10025 East Flower Street, Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 345-3700
Serves Bellflower, Lakewood, Cerritos, and surrounding communities.
Downey Courthouse
7500 East Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242
(562) 803-7044
Serves Downey, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, La Mirada, and surrounding communities.
Burbank Courthouse
300 East Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 260-8550
Serves Burbank, Glendale, La Crescenta, and surrounding communities.
Whittier Courthouse
7339 South Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602
(562) 907-3113
Serves Whittier, La Habra Heights, and surrounding communities.
Santa Clarita Courthouse
23747 West Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 253-7800
Serves Santa Clarita, Valencia, Newhall, Castaic, and surrounding communities in northern Los Angeles County.
San Bernardino County is the largest county by area in the contiguous United States, and its courthouses are spread across a wide geographic region. Criminal cases are assigned to the courthouse serving the area where the arrest occurred.
Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court
8303 North Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 350-9288
Serves Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Upland, Montclair, Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, and surrounding western San Bernardino County communities. Arraignments for inmates held at the West Valley Detention Center are typically held here.
Fontana Superior Court
17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335
(909) 350-9288
Serves Fontana, Rialto, Bloomington, and surrounding communities.
San Bernardino Justice Center
247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 521-3100
Serves San Bernardino, Highland, Loma Linda, Redlands, Colton, and surrounding communities. The central criminal courthouse for San Bernardino County.
Victorville Superior Court
14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 243-2111
Serves Victorville, Adelanto, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Barstow, and surrounding high desert communities. Arraignments for inmates held at the High Desert Detention Center are typically held here.
Riverside County stretches from the western Inland Empire to the Coachella Valley, with courthouses located throughout the county to serve each region.
Riverside Hall of Justice
4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 777-3147
The main criminal courthouse for central Riverside County. Serves Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Norco, Jurupa Valley, and surrounding communities. Arraignments for inmates held at the Robert Presley Detention Center are typically held here.
Southwest Justice Center
30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563
(951) 304-5000
Serves Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Menifee, and surrounding southwestern Riverside County communities. Arraignments for inmates held at the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center are typically held here.
Banning Justice Center
311 East Ramsey Street, Banning, CA 92220
(951) 922-7142
Serves Banning, Beaumont, Hemet, San Jacinto, and surrounding communities in the San Gorgonio Pass area.
Larson Justice Center
46200 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201
(760) 863-8206
Serves the Coachella Valley including Indio, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Coachella, and surrounding communities. Arraignments for inmates held at the John J. Benoit Detention Center are typically held here.
Orange County operates four justice centers that handle criminal cases, each serving a different region of the county.
Central Justice Center
700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701
(657) 622-5200
The main criminal courthouse for Orange County. Handles the majority of felony arraignments. Serves Santa Ana, Irvine, Tustin, Costa Mesa, and surrounding communities. Arraignments for inmates held at the Orange County Central Jail are typically held here.
North Justice Center
1275 North Berkeley Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832
(657) 622-5600
Serves Fullerton, Anaheim, Buena Park, Orange, Placentia, Brea, Yorba Linda, La Habra, and surrounding northern Orange County communities.
West Justice Center
8141 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683
(657) 622-5800
Serves Westminster, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Seal Beach, and surrounding coastal and western Orange County communities.
Harbor Justice Center
4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660
(657) 622-5700
Serves Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, and surrounding southern Orange County communities.
Ventura County Superior Court operates three courthouse locations that handle criminal, traffic, family, and juvenile matters.
Ventura Hall of Justice
800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009
(805) 289-8900 (main) / (805) 289-8545 (criminal/traffic)
The main courthouse for Ventura County. Handles criminal felony and misdemeanor arraignments, trials, civil matters, family law, and small claims for western Ventura County. Serves Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Ojai, and surrounding communities. Arraignments for inmates held at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility are held here. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
East County Courthouse
3855-F Alamo Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063
(805) 289-8545
Handles criminal cases and traffic violations for eastern Ventura County. Serves Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and surrounding communities. Office hours vary by department.
Juvenile Justice Center
4353 East Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93036
(805) 289-8820
Handles juvenile delinquency and dependency matters, probate, guardianship, and adoption cases. Also handles traffic court trials for western county jurisdiction cases. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
San Diego County Superior Court operates four main divisions for criminal cases, each serving a different region of the county. Cases are assigned based on where the arrest occurred.
Central Courthouse
1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 844-2700
The main criminal courthouse for San Diego County. Handles felony and misdemeanor arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials for central San Diego. Opened in late 2017, this is the largest courthouse funded under the Senate Bill 1407 court construction program. Arraignments for inmates held at San Diego Central Jail are typically held here.
North County Division
325 South Melrose Drive, Suite 100, Vista, CA 92081
(760) 201-8600
Serves northern San Diego County including Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido, San Marcos, and surrounding communities. Arraignments for inmates held at the Vista Detention Facility are typically held here.
East County Division
250 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 456-4100
Serves eastern San Diego County including El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside, Alpine, and surrounding communities.
South County Division
500 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 746-6100
Serves southern San Diego County including Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, and surrounding communities. Arraignments for inmates held at the South Bay Detention Facility are typically held here.
Juvenile Court
2851 Meadow Lark Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 634-1600
Handles all juvenile delinquency and dependency matters for San Diego County.
My Rights Law attorneys appear at every courthouse listed in this directory to defend clients facing criminal charges at every level of severity. Below is a complete list of the types of cases we handle, organized from the least serious offenses to the most serious. No matter what charge you or your loved one is facing, our defense attorneys are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome.
Infractions are the lowest level of criminal offense in California. They do not carry jail time but can result in fines and a mark on your record. Our attorneys defend clients charged with:
Misdemeanors are more serious than infractions and can carry up to one year in county jail, fines up to $1,000 or more, probation, community service, and a criminal record. Many people underestimate the impact of a misdemeanor conviction, but it can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status. Our attorneys defend clients charged with:
Under California law, certain crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case, the defendant's criminal history, and the severity of the conduct. These are known as "wobbler" offenses, and the charging decision made by the prosecutor can dramatically affect the potential penalties. Having an experienced defense attorney at the arraignment can make the difference between a misdemeanor charge and a felony charge. Our attorneys defend clients charged with:
Felonies are the most serious category of criminal charges in California and carry penalties that can include years in state prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects every aspect of life. A felony conviction can result in the loss of voting rights, firearm ownership, professional licenses, and immigration status. Felony arraignments require the defendant to be personally present in court. Our attorneys defend clients charged with:
White-collar crimes involve fraud, deception, or financial manipulation and are prosecuted aggressively in California. These cases are often complex, involving extensive documentation, forensic accounting, and lengthy investigations. Penalties can include prison time, restitution orders, and permanent damage to professional reputations. Our attorneys defend clients charged with:
Federal criminal charges are prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office and carry some of the most severe penalties in the criminal justice system. Federal cases are handled in federal district courts, not the state courthouses listed above, but arrests for federal offenses often begin with local law enforcement and initial appearances may involve coordination between state and federal authorities. Our attorneys defend clients charged with:
Juvenile cases are handled in separate juvenile courts, which are included in the courthouse listings above for each county. The juvenile justice system in California operates differently from the adult system, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, in serious cases, minors can be tried as adults. Having an experienced defense attorney is critical to keeping a juvenile case in juvenile court and pursuing the most favorable disposition. Our attorneys defend juveniles charged with:
In addition to defending criminal charges at arraignment, preliminary hearing, and trial, My Rights Law provides legal services related to the criminal justice process at every stage. These include:
For a complete list of every case type we handle, visit our Cases We Handle page. If you have been charged with any criminal offense and need representation at any courthouse in Southern California, call My Rights Law at (888) 702-8845 for a free, confidential consultation.
If you are unsure which courthouse handles your case, here are several ways to find out:
Check your citation or arrest paperwork. The court date, time, and courthouse address should be printed on the citation or booking documents.
Call the jail where the person is being held. The custody staff can tell you which courthouse the next appearance is scheduled at.
Search the court's online case lookup system. Each county operates an online case search tool where you can look up case information by name or case number:
Call My Rights Law. If you are having difficulty determining the correct courthouse, call us at (888) 702-8845 and we will identify the courthouse, check the court calendar, and appear on your behalf.
Whether you are attending your own arraignment or accompanying a loved one, arriving prepared will make the process less stressful. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. You will need to pass through a metal detector and security screening at the entrance. Cell phones are generally permitted but must be silenced. No weapons, sharp objects, or prohibited items may be brought into the courthouse.
If you have a defense attorney, they will meet you at the courthouse and handle all interactions with the judge, prosecutor, and court staff. If you do not yet have an attorney, the court will advise you of your right to counsel at the arraignment and may appoint a public defender if you qualify. For a detailed guide to the arraignment process, see our page on Understanding Arraignment in California.
What you wear to a criminal court appearance matters more than most people realize. Judges, prosecutors, and jurors form impressions before a single word is spoken. Dressing appropriately signals that you take the charges seriously and that you respect the court.
What to wear. For men, a collared button-down shirt with slacks and closed-toe dress shoes is the baseline. A blazer, sport coat, or suit with a tie is better if you have one. For women, a blouse with slacks or a knee-length skirt, a professional dress, or a pantsuit is appropriate. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Stick to neutral, muted colors: navy blue, dark gray, black, white, and khaki. Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and fit properly.
What not to wear. Do not wear jeans, shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, sneakers, or T-shirts of any kind. Do not wear hats or sunglasses inside the courthouse. Avoid logos, slogans, graphics, bright or neon colors, and bold patterns. Keep jewelry minimal and avoid anything that could set off the metal detector at security screening. If you have visible tattoos, cover them where possible. Remove non-essential piercings.
Grooming and behavior. Shower, style your hair neatly, and be clean-shaven or neatly trimmed. In the courtroom, sit up straight, make eye contact with the judge when addressed, address the judge as "Your Honor," silence your phone completely, and do not speak out of turn.
Arraignment versus trial. The arraignment dress code is more relaxed. Judges understand that many defendants are coming from work or received short notice. Clean, neat clothing without offensive graphics is acceptable. At trial and sentencing, the stakes are much higher because the jury is evaluating your credibility and the judge is assessing what kind of person you are. At these stages, dress as professionally as possible. Your criminal defense attorney will discuss specific clothing choices with you before trial.
If your loved one is in custody. Defendants in jail typically appear at arraignments in jail-issued clothing. For trial and sentencing, a defense attorney can request that the defendant wear civilian clothes. A family member will need to bring appropriate clothing to the attorney in advance. At My Rights Law, our attorneys who make immediate confidential jail visits can advise your family on exactly what to bring and when.
If you are unsure what to wear, ask your attorney. A good rule: if your lawyer would not wear it to court, you should not wear it either.
Our criminal defense attorneys appear at courthouses across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Ventura, and San Diego counties every day. Whether you need representation at an upcoming arraignment, a bail hearing, a preliminary hearing, or a trial, we are ready to fight for you. If your loved one has just been arrested, do not wait for the court date. Our attorneys make immediate confidential jail visits so the defense begins now, not at the courthouse.
Call My Rights Law at (888) 702-8845 or fill out our secure contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offer flat fee pricing.
Courthouse photographs used in this directory are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses. Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Los Angeles: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. San Bernardino County Courthouse: photo by Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Riverside County Courthouse: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Old Orange County Courthouse, Santa Ana: photo by Adrian Ceron, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Ventura County Courthouse: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
This page was written by the My Rights Law Editorial Team and reviewed for legal accuracy by Bobby Shamuilian.
Attorney Shamuilian is the founder and managing partner of My Rights Law and is widely recognized as a legal authority, frequently appearing as a legal analyst and TV pundit on national news outlets.
He has earned a perfect “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating on AVVO and a “10.0” rating on Justia, and has been named among the “Top 40 Under 40” and the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by The National Trial Lawyers.
With his proven expertise and dedication, Mr. Shamuilian is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
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