The Airport Courthouse, located at 11701 South La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, is the Los Angeles Superior Court branch that handles most misdemeanor and felony criminal matters from the LAX area, Westchester, Inglewood, Culver City, Marina del Rey, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lennox, and parts of West Los Angeles. It is the principal courthouse for cases arising out of arrests at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) by the LAX Airport Police Division, the LAPD Pacific Division, and the Inglewood Police Department. The Law Office of Zak Fisher represents people with cases at the Airport Courthouse across the full range of misdemeanors and other criminal charges.
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Airport Courthouse at a glance
- Address: 11701 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Court: Los Angeles Superior Court, Southwest District
- Phone: (310) 727-6200
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (court clerks); calendar call typically 8:30 AM
- Parking: On-site parking lot. Public transit via LAX FlyAway and LA Metro buses on La Cienega.
- Security: Standard courthouse security screening at the entrance. No phones in some courtrooms.
Areas served
The Airport Courthouse handles cases arising in or near:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Westchester
- Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Marina del Rey
- Inglewood
- Culver City (for some matters; some Culver City cases also go to Inglewood Courthouse)
- El Segundo
- Hawthorne
- Lennox
- Lawndale
- Parts of West Los Angeles
Agencies that file cases at Airport Courthouse
- LAX Airport Police Division: All criminal arrests inside LAX terminals and on airport property.
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Pacific Division: Westchester, Playa del Rey, Mar Vista, Venice (some cases).
- Inglewood Police Department: Inglewood and adjacent areas.
- El Segundo Police Department
- Hawthorne Police Department
- Culver City Police Department (some cases)
- California Highway Patrol: I-405, I-105, and major surface streets.
- Los Angeles County Sheriff Department: Lennox and unincorporated areas.
Common case types at Airport Courthouse
- DUI (VC §23152): I-405, I-105, and Sepulveda Boulevard DUI stops.
- Drug possession (HS §11377, §11350): Often arising from LAX TSA referrals or LAPD stops.
- Petty theft (PC §484, §490.2): Shoplifting at LAX retail stores and area businesses.
- Disturbing the peace (PC §415): Airport disputes, bar fights, and disorderly conduct allegations.
- Battery (PC §242, §243): Including airport altercations charged under federal jurisdiction sometimes (see below).
- Resisting arrest (PC §148): Encounters with airport police or LAPD.
- Public intoxication (PC §647(f)): Especially LAX terminal cases.
- Trespassing (PC §602): LAX security zones and area businesses.
- Vandalism (PC §594): Including graffiti on airport property.
Federal vs. state jurisdiction at LAX
Some offenses committed inside LAX terminals can be charged federally (in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in downtown Los Angeles) rather than at Airport Courthouse, particularly: federal firearm violations at TSA checkpoints under 49 U.S.C. §46505, assaults on federal officers under 18 U.S.C. §111, drug offenses involving large quantities, and interference with flight crew members. Most ordinary state offenses occurring at LAX (DUI, simple battery, theft, drug possession) are filed at Airport Courthouse. The jurisdictional question matters enormously for defense strategy.
What happens at an Airport Courthouse arraignment
Misdemeanor arraignments at Airport Courthouse occur on the misdemeanor calendar, typically beginning at 8:30 AM. Felony arraignments are calendared separately. The court reads the complaint, addresses bail or own-recognizance release, and takes a plea. Under Penal Code §977, a represented defendant in a misdemeanor case can authorize counsel to appear at most court dates without personally attending. After arraignment, the case proceeds to pretrial conferences where the defense reviews discovery, files motions, and negotiates with the prosecutor.
How the Law Office of Zak Fisher handles Airport Courthouse cases
Cases at Airport Courthouse begin with a free 20-minute consultation to identify the arresting agency, the courtroom assignment, and the charging statutes. If the case is taken, the fee is flat and quoted in writing before engagement. The practice personally appears at every Airport Courthouse calendar date and answers texts and emails within one business day. Common Airport Courthouse motions include suppression under PC §1538.5 (especially for I-405 and Sepulveda DUI stops), Pitchess motions under Evidence Code §1043, and Trombetta motions in DUI cases.
Contact
Law Office of Zak Fisher
8335 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 354
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (310) 818-7461
Email: info@zakfisherlaw.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Book a free 20-minute consultation
Frequently asked questions about Airport Courthouse
Where is the Airport Courthouse located?
11701 South La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045. It is the Southwest District courthouse of the Los Angeles Superior Court, serving LAX and surrounding areas.
What types of cases are heard at Airport Courthouse?
Misdemeanor and felony criminal cases arising from LAX, Westchester, Inglewood, Culver City, Marina del Rey, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lennox, and parts of West Los Angeles. Civil, family, and probate matters are heard at other courthouses.
What time should I arrive for arraignment at Airport Courthouse?
Misdemeanor calendar call is typically at 8:30 AM. Arrive by 8:00 AM to clear security screening. Felony arraignments may be scheduled at different times.
Can my lawyer appear for me at Airport Courthouse?
Yes, in most misdemeanor cases. Under Penal Code §977, a represented defendant in a misdemeanor case can authorize counsel to appear at most court dates without personally attending. Felony cases require personal appearance at most stages.
Is there parking at Airport Courthouse?
Yes. The Airport Courthouse has an on-site parking lot. Public transit options include LA Metro bus routes on La Cienega Boulevard.
Are LAX cases always heard at Airport Courthouse?
Most state criminal cases arising at LAX are filed at Airport Courthouse. Federal offenses (TSA firearm violations, federal assault, interference with flight crews) are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in downtown Los Angeles.