If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime in the San Fernando Valley, your case will almost certainly be heard at the Van Nuys Courthouse — one of the busiest criminal courts in all of Los Angeles County. Understanding how this courthouse operates is not just helpful; it can directly influence the outcome of your case.
At the Naderi Law Office, our criminal defense attorneys appear regularly at the Van Nuys Courthouse. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from courthouse locations and departments to how felony and misdemeanor cases actually move through the system.
There are actually two Van Nuys courthouses, and understanding which one handles your case matters:
For criminal cases, you will almost always be directed to the West courthouse. If you are unsure which building to go to, check your citation, bail report, or court notice — the courthouse name and department number will be listed at the bottom.
The Van Nuys Courthouse serves the 1.7 million residents of the San Fernando Valley. If you were arrested for a crime anywhere in the following communities, your case will likely be prosecuted here:
Common criminal charges handled at this courthouse include DUI, drug offenses, assault and battery, domestic violence, robbery and theft, gang crimes, sex crimes, and murder. It is one of the top five busiest courthouses in Los Angeles County by case volume.
Understanding which department handles your case type is critical. Here is a breakdown of the most important criminal departments:
Every felony case filed in the Van Nuys system passes through Department 100 first. This is where defendants are formally informed of the charges against them and enter an initial plea — almost always "not guilty" at this stage. After arraignment, cases may be sent to the Early Disposition Program (where plea negotiations happen quickly) or transferred to a preliminary hearing court.
All misdemeanor arraignments are handled in Department 101. Common misdemeanor charges include first-offense DUI under Vehicle Code 23152, simple assault under Penal Code 240, petty theft under Penal Code 484, and drug possession under Health and Safety Code 11350. Many misdemeanor cases resolve at or shortly after arraignment through plea agreements.
After arraignment in either Department 100 or 101, cases are randomly assigned to one of the trial departments throughout the building.
A common misconception: people believe that being arrested means a case has been filed against them. This is not true. The police arrest you, but only the prosecutor can file charges. The Van Nuys prosecutor's office has dedicated "filing deputies" whose entire job is to review cases and decide whether to file, reduce, or reject them.
This is why having an experienced Van Nuys criminal defense attorney involved early — ideally before charges are even filed — can make an enormous difference. An attorney can communicate mitigating information directly to the filing deputy, potentially avoiding criminal charges altogether.
The Van Nuys Courthouse has dedicated departments specifically for domestic violence cases under Penal Code 273.5 and Penal Code 243(e)(1). These courts operate under strict protocols — even if the alleged victim does not wish to press charges, the prosecution can and frequently does proceed independently. Emergency protective orders and criminal protective orders are routinely issued at arraignment.
If you are facing domestic violence charges, read our guide on assault and battery defense in Van Nuys to understand your rights and available defenses.
What is the phone number for Van Nuys Courthouse West?
The main information line for Van Nuys Courthouse West is (818) 989-6900. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding court holidays.
Do I need a Van Nuys-specific attorney?
Not necessarily, but you need an attorney who regularly handles cases at the Van Nuys Courthouse. Local familiarity with judges, prosecutors, and court procedures is a significant strategic advantage.
What happens if I miss my court date?
Missing a court date in Van Nuys results in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately if you missed a court appearance.
Can charges be dropped before arraignment in Van Nuys?
Yes. An experienced attorney can communicate with the filing deputy before charges are formally filed, potentially preventing the case from moving forward at all.
Learn more about our Van Nuys criminal defense services or contact us today to speak with an attorney.
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