Appearing in Court at the West Orange County Justice Center in Westminster: What to Expect

Part 4 in my series about appearing in court in Orange County. Today's post is focused specifically on the West Justice Center in Westminster.  For more information about appearing in Santa Ana, Fullerton or Newport Beach, read my previous posts, below.  

The West Orange County Justice Center is located at 1841 13th Street in Westminster, about 1 block east of Beach Blvd.  From the 22 freeway, exit at Beach Blvd and head south.  From the 405 Freeway, exit at Beach and head north.  

The Westminster courthouse hears criminal cases from Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Stanton and Westminster. 

There are 3 parking lots -- one reserved for jurors, a free lot and a garage that charges to park.  The free lot fills up early, so show up before 8:15 to save some money on parking.  

Like the Harbor Justice Center, the courthouse in Westminster features an outdoor walk-up window for the clerk's office.  You can make a payment, request an extension, reserve a court date, or obtain information about your case without going through the security screening process. 

Also like the other courts in Orange County, you must find your name on the electronic display board as soon as you enter the building.  The board will direct you to the appropriate courtroom.  

Most misdemeanor arraignments and traffic matters are heard downstairs, in department W-3.  For more information about what to expect at your misdemeanor arraignment, read my post about appearing at the North Justice Center in Fullerton, below.  

If you plead "not guilty" at your misdemeanor arraignment, subsequent pre-trial conferences will be heard upstairs, in department W-15.

Most felonies are heard downstairs in departments W-1 or W-2.  Once felony cases are set for preliminary hearings or motions, they are assigned out to a different department, depending on availability.  

The West Justice Center is the smallest courthouse in the Orange County justice system.  They pack a lot of people into a few rooms, so it gets a little crowded.  There's no cafeteria inside the building, but there is a vending machine at the north end of the second floor.  There's also a hot dog vendor out front if you're brave and hungry enough.  

If you or a loved one has to appear in court at the West Justice Center in Orange County, call us for a free consultation.  (714) 505-2468.  Ask for John.  

Thanks for reading. 

Westminster Criminal Defense Attorney