The Van Nuys Courthouse, located at 6230 Sylmar Avenue in Van Nuys, is the Los Angeles Superior Court branch that handles most misdemeanor and felony criminal matters from the San Fernando Valley, including Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, Reseda, Northridge, Panorama City, Sun Valley, and Valley Glen. Together with the San Fernando Courthouse to the north, it covers nearly all Valley criminal filings. The Law Office of Zak Fisher represents people with cases at Van Nuys Courthouse across the full range of misdemeanors and other criminal charges.
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Van Nuys Courthouse at a glance
- Address: 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401
- Court: Los Angeles Superior Court, Northwest District
- Phone: (818) 374-2300
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (court clerks). Misdemeanor calendar call typically 8:30 AM.
- Parking: On-site parking lot and metered street parking. Public transit via LA Metro Orange Line (now G Line) and bus routes on Van Nuys Boulevard.
- Security: Standard courthouse security screening at the entrance.
Areas served
Van Nuys Courthouse handles cases arising in or near:
- Van Nuys
- Sherman Oaks
- North Hollywood
- Studio City
- Encino
- Tarzana
- Reseda
- Northridge (some cases; some go to San Fernando)
- Panorama City
- Sun Valley
- Valley Glen, Valley Village
- Toluca Lake
- Lake Balboa
Agencies that file cases at Van Nuys Courthouse
- LAPD Van Nuys Division: Van Nuys, Valley Glen, Lake Balboa, Panorama City.
- LAPD West Valley Division: Reseda, Tarzana, Encino, Winnetka.
- LAPD North Hollywood Division: North Hollywood, Valley Village, Studio City, Toluca Lake.
- LAPD Foothill Division: Sun Valley and adjacent areas (some cases).
- California Highway Patrol: I-405, I-101, US-101, I-5, and major Valley surface streets.
- LA County Sheriff: Unincorporated Valley areas.
Common case types at Van Nuys Courthouse
- DUI (VC §23152): I-405, I-101, and Ventura Boulevard DUI stops are very common.
- Drug possession (HS §11377, §11350): Including methamphetamine and prescription opioid cases.
- Petty theft (PC §484, §490.2): Shoplifting at Sherman Oaks Galleria, Westfield Topanga (mostly West Valley), and Valley shopping centers.
- Domestic battery (PC §243(e)(1)): Frequent in Van Nuys filings.
- Disturbing the peace (PC §415): Bar disputes, party complaints, and noise calls.
- Vandalism (PC §594): Including graffiti enhancement under PC §594.7.
- Trespassing (PC §602): Apartment complex and retail trespasses.
- Driving on suspended license (VC §14601): Common companion charge to DUI filings.
- Resisting arrest (PC §148): Particularly out of LAPD Valley divisions.
What happens at a Van Nuys arraignment
Misdemeanor arraignments at Van Nuys Courthouse occur on the misdemeanor calendar, typically beginning at 8:30 AM. The court reads the complaint, addresses bail or own-recognizance release, and takes a plea. In domestic battery cases, the court typically issues a criminal protective order at arraignment under PC §136.2. Under PC §977, a represented defendant in a misdemeanor case can authorize counsel to appear at most court dates without personally attending. After arraignment, the case moves to pretrial conferences for discovery review, motion practice, and negotiation.
Van Nuys specifics for DUI cases
Van Nuys handles a significant volume of DUI filings out of LAPD Valley divisions, CHP, and Sheriff stations. DUI cases are calendared on dedicated DUI calendars. Common defense motions at Van Nuys include suppression under PC §1538.5 for I-405 and I-101 stops, Trombetta motions challenging breath device calibration, and Pitchess motions under Evidence Code §1043 to discover prior officer misconduct.
How the Law Office of Zak Fisher handles Van Nuys cases
Cases at Van Nuys 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 Van Nuys calendar date and answers texts and emails within one business day.
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 Van Nuys Courthouse
Where is the Van Nuys Courthouse located?
6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401. It is the Northwest District courthouse of the Los Angeles Superior Court, serving most of the San Fernando Valley.
What types of cases are heard at Van Nuys Courthouse?
Misdemeanor and felony criminal cases arising throughout the San Fernando Valley, plus civil, family, and probate matters. Northwest Valley cases are sometimes heard at the San Fernando Courthouse instead.
What time should I arrive for arraignment at Van Nuys?
Misdemeanor calendar call is typically at 8:30 AM. Arrive by 8:00 AM to clear security. Felony arraignments may be calendared at different times.
Can my lawyer appear for me at Van Nuys?
Yes, in most misdemeanor cases. Under Penal Code 977, counsel can appear for a represented misdemeanor defendant at most court dates. Felony defendants must personally appear at most stages.
Is there parking at Van Nuys Courthouse?
Yes. The courthouse has an on-site parking lot. Public transit includes the LA Metro G Line (formerly Orange Line) and Van Nuys Boulevard bus routes.
What is the difference between Van Nuys Courthouse and San Fernando Courthouse?
Both are Los Angeles Superior Court branches serving the Valley. Van Nuys (Northwest District) handles the southern and central Valley. San Fernando (North Valley District) handles the northern Valley, including parts of Sylmar, Mission Hills, and the Foothill area.