LAX Airport Courthouse: DUI Cases, Hours & What to Expect

The Airport Courthouse, often called the LAX Airport Courthouse, is a Los Angeles Superior Court courthouse in the West Judicial District. Located at 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045, it handles misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, including a substantial volume of DUI-related filings from communities throughout the Westside.

Because the Airport Courthouse has absorbed cases from other regional courthouses, including Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Malibu, it handles a diverse mix of criminal matters. Its caseload includes everything from high-profile DUI cases and criminal matters arising at LAX to everyday disputes and criminal charges originating throughout West Los Angeles.

Information	Details
Courthouse	Los Angeles Superior Court — Airport Courthouse
Address	11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
Judicial district	West Judicial District
Phone	(310) 725-3000
Courthouse hours	Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., except holidays
Clerk's office	Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Case types	Misdemeanor and felony criminal matters, including DUI
Parking	Paid Pacific Concourse parking and nearby metered parking

Overview: What Is the LAX Airport Courthouse?

If you’re facing a DUI or other traffic-related criminal charge in Los Angeles County, your case may be assigned to the LAX Airport Courthouse. Despite the name, this courthouse does not handle only airport arrests. It is a busy West District criminal courthouse that regularly handles DUI and misdemeanor matters.

The Airport Courthouse handles criminal cases originating from several law enforcement jurisdictions across Los Angeles County. These include arrests made by the Beverly Hills Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in West Hollywood, the LAPD Pacific Division, the Culver City Police Department, and the UCLA Police Department.

The courthouse also handles certain felony cases from Hawthorne, along with cases arising from arrests by the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in designated areas. Arrests made by Los Angeles Airport Police at LAX are also commonly assigned to the Airport Courthouse.

Because of its heavy caseload, things can move quickly here. Understanding how the courthouse operates can directly affect how your case unfolds.

Official court resources:

Airport Courthouse page
Los Angeles Superior Court main website

Where Is the LAX Airport Courthouse Located?

The courthouse is located just east of LAX and serves a broad geographic area in West Los Angeles.

Address:
11701 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045

The Airport Courthouse commonly handles misdemeanor and DUI cases arising in West Los Angeles and nearby communities, including Westchester, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey, Culver City, Inglewood, El Segundo, Venice, and parts of Santa Monica, depending on court assignment rules.

Because of the surrounding airport and freeway corridors, DUI-related filings are common in this area.

What Types of Cases Are Handled at LAX Airport Courthouse?

The Airport Courthouse handles both misdemeanor and felony criminal matters, including DUI cases. Common charges and proceedings include:

Misdemeanor DUI cases
DUI causing injury (California Vehicle Code § 23153), which may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony
Traffic-related misdemeanors
Driving on a suspended or revoked license
Reckless driving
Probation violations

For the most current assignment details, cases can be searched directly through the Los Angeles Superior Court system.

What Makes DUI Cases at LAX Airport Courthouse Different?

High DUI Case Volume

According to Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys who regularly practice in the area, the Airport Courthouse handles a particularly heavy volume of DUI cases. Its busy misdemeanor calendars reflect the large geographic area it serves, including communities surrounding LAX and major Westside freeway corridors.

Contributing factors include:

Constant traffic near Los Angeles International Airport
Regular sobriety checkpoints in nearby beach cities
Active CHP enforcement on the 405 and 105 freeways
Dense nightlife areas throughout the Westside

The result is a steady flow of DUI filings year-round.

Fast-Moving Court Calendars

With a heavy volume of criminal cases moving through the courthouse, arraignments and pretrial hearings can proceed quickly. Attorneys need to be prepared to address scheduling, discovery, and potential plea negotiations without unnecessary delays.

Plea offers may be time-limited, and feeling pressured to make early decisions can have long-term consequences.

Courtroom-Level Variation

DUI cases are assigned to specific misdemeanor courtrooms, and the judges in those departments can rotate from time to time. That matters more than most people realize. Each courtroom may have its own tendencies regarding sentencing, probation terms, and how motions are handled.

Judges may approach procedural matters, probation conditions, and available sentencing alternatives differently within the limits of California law. Understanding how individual courtrooms operate helps attorneys prepare for hearings and advise clients on what to expect.

That’s why it’s important to understand not just the law, but also how a particular courtroom typically approaches these cases.

What to Expect at Your First Court Date (Arraignment)

At arraignment, the court advises the defendant of the charges and applicable rights, and a plea is ordinarily entered. The judge may also address bail or release conditions and set future hearing dates. In some misdemeanor cases, an attorney can appear on the defendant's behalf, although California law requires personal appearances in certain circumstances.

When we represent a client at arraignment, we typically enter a not guilty plea. This gives us time to obtain police reports, review breath or blood test results, and examine the circumstances of the traffic stop and arrest.

Many DUI cases at the LAX Airport Courthouse are resolved without going to trial. That said, the outcome often depends on the strength of the evidence and whether there are constitutional or procedural issues we can challenge.

Common Legal Issues in LAX Airport Courthouse DUI Cases

DUI cases frequently come down to the fine print. Small details can make a big difference. For example:

Was there a lawful reason for the traffic stop in the first place?
Were the field sobriety tests given correctly?
Are the breath or blood test results reliable?
Did law enforcement follow California’s Title 17 regulations for chemical testing?
What does the body-cam or dash-cam footage actually show?

These issues often determine whether the prosecution’s case holds up.

California Vehicle Code § 23152 primarily governs DUI charges.

Court Case vs. DMV Case: Two Separate Processes

Your criminal court case is only one part of a DUI matter.

Type of case	Key deadline / timeline
Criminal court case	First appearance listed on court paperwork; subsequent proceedings may take months
DMV administrative case	Request within 10 days of receiving the suspension or revocation order
Initial DMV suspension	Typically begins after the 30-day temporary license period, unless the action is stayed or set aside

If you do not request a DMV hearing within 10 days of receiving the license suspension/revocation order, which is often given at or near the time of arrest, a license suspension may begin automatically, regardless of what happens in court.

For more information about administrative license suspensions and hearing procedures, visit the California DMV's DUI information page.

How to Look Up a Case at the LAX Airport Courthouse

You can search for criminal case information through the Los Angeles Superior Court's online case access system. Depending on the search method, you may need the case number or identifying information about the defendant. Some case information may be restricted or unavailable online.

Always confirm hearing dates directly with the court.

How Do I Find My Courtroom at LAX Airport Courthouse?

Your court paperwork should identify the courthouse and may list the department assigned to your case. Because courtroom assignments and hearing locations can change, always check the Los Angeles Superior Court website to confirm your department and scheduled appearance.

When you arrive, allow time to clear security and find your courtroom. If you don't know where to go, ask the courthouse staff for assistance. Confirm a meeting location and appearance instructions with your attorney beforehand.

What Should I Know Before Visiting LAX Airport Courthouse?

Expect airport-style security screening, and allow extra time to get through security, especially during busy arrival periods. Sharp objects, tools, and certain other items may be prohibited inside the courthouse. Leave these items at home or in your vehicle to avoid delays or confiscation.

A cafeteria is located on the first floor of the courthouse.

Practical Tips for Appearing at LAX Airport Courthouse

Arrive early; security lines can be long
Dress professionally
Bring all paperwork
Do not discuss your case in public areas
Track DMV deadlines separately from court dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the LAX Airport Courthouse only for airport arrests?

No. It handles DUI and misdemeanor cases from across West Los Angeles, including freeway and beach-area arrests.

Can jail be avoided for a first DUI here?

Often yes, if there are no aggravating factors. High BAC levels, accidents, or prior convictions increase the risk of custody.

How long do DUI cases here usually take?

A few months to a year or more. Some are resolved relatively quickly, while others, especially those involving complex evidence, can take a year or longer.

Can my DUI lawyer appear for me at LAX Airport Courthouse?

In some misdemeanor DUI cases, California law allows an attorney to appear on the defendant's behalf. However, certain proceedings require personal attendance, and the judge may order the defendant to appear. Your attorney can explain whether you must attend your scheduled hearing.

Where do I park for LAX Airport Courthouse?

Paid public parking is available at the Pacific Concourse parking lot, and metered street parking may be available nearby. Allow extra time for traffic, parking, and courthouse security screening.

Facing DUI Charges at LAX Airport Courthouse?

The LAX Airport Courthouse handles a heavy volume of criminal cases, including DUI charges arising throughout West Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. Busy court calendars, courtroom-specific procedures, and strict DMV deadlines can make early preparation especially important.

At Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers, including Jason Feldman, Michele Ferroni, and Amanda Lum, understand how local court procedures can affect a case. We review the circumstances of the arrest, challenge questionable evidence, and identify opportunities for dismissal, reduced charges, or other favorable outcomes.

If you're scheduled to appear at the Airport Courthouse, contact Michael & Associates for a free case review. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your situation and help you understand your next steps.

LAX Airport Courthouse: What to Expect, DUI Cases & Court Information

Rebecca Stumpf

Overview: What Is the LAX Airport Courthouse?

Where Is the LAX Airport Courthouse Located?

What Types of Cases Are Handled at LAX Airport Courthouse?