West Justice Center Criminal Defense Lawyer

Power Trial Lawyers – Aggressive Westminster Criminal Defense Representation

Arrested in West Orange County? Your Case Likely Starts Here.

If you are arrested in Westminster, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, Fountain Valley, Cypress, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, or portions of Garden Grove, your criminal case will most likely be assigned to the West Justice Center, located at 8141 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683.

This courthouse is the central hub for misdemeanor cases in west Orange County, but it also handles select felonies originating in the region. The West Justice Center is especially known for its heavy DUI docket, frequent domestic violence cases, and theft-related offenses. Because the court operates on a fast-moving schedule, defendants without a local defense lawyer often find themselves rushed into plea deals before their case has been properly investigated.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we appear at the West Justice Center regularly. We know the court’s procedures, the local prosecutors’ approach, and the personalities of the judges who preside over these cases. That experience allows us to prepare strategic defenses that are tailored to the way this courthouse actually operates — not just what the law says in theory.

Cities and Neighborhoods Served by West Justice Center

The court’s jurisdiction covers a wide swath of west Orange County, including:

• Westminster
• Huntington Beach
• Seal Beach
• Fountain Valley
• Cypress
• Los Alamitos
• Rossmoor
• Portions of Garden Grove and Stanton

If you were arrested in any of these cities, your arraignment and pre-trial hearings will almost certainly be scheduled at West Justice Center.

The Role of West Justice Center in the County Court System

The West Justice Center is primarily a misdemeanor courthouse, but it handles a broad range of criminal matters, including:

• Misdemeanors: DUI, petty theft, vandalism, disturbing the peace, simple assault.
• Domestic Violence Cases: Misdemeanor and felony domestic battery, restraining order violations.
• Select Felonies: Certain local felonies, especially drug possession for sale, burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon cases.
• Probation Violations: Hearings for probation non-compliance and sentencing modifications.

Some felony cases begin here for arraignment and preliminary hearing before being transferred to the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana for trial.

Courthouse Layout, Parking, and Access

The West Justice Center sits just east of Beach Boulevard, with public parking available in surface lots surrounding the building. These lots fill quickly during the morning rush, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays when arraignment calendars are heaviest.

For public transportation, OCTA bus routes along Beach Boulevard and Westminster Boulevard stop within walking distance of the courthouse.

Upon entering, all visitors must pass through security screening. Cell phones are generally permitted, but photography and recording are prohibited inside the building. Courtroom assignments are displayed on monitors near the entrance, listed by department number (e.g., W2 for misdemeanors, W4 for DUI trials).

Arraignments at West Justice Center

An arraignment at West Justice Center is often a fast-moving event. Misdemeanor calendars can include dozens of cases, and judges expect attorneys to be prepared and concise.

At this first appearance, the judge will:

1. Read the charges against you.
2. Advise you of your rights.
3. Take your plea.
4. Decide on bail or release conditions.

Our strategy at arraignment focuses on keeping clients out of custody whenever possible. We present factors such as employment, community ties, and lack of criminal history to argue for own recognizance release or minimal bail. We also protect against premature plea pressure, ensuring you do not agree to terms before we have reviewed all evidence.

Pre-Trial Hearings at West Justice Center

The pre-trial stage is where much of the real defense work happens. At West Justice Center, this is the phase where cases can be dismissed or charges reduced without a trial.

We use pre-trial hearings to:

• File motions to suppress evidence from illegal searches or improper DUI stops.
• Demand the prosecution turn over all police reports, videos, and witness statements.
• Negotiate from a position of strength, using evidentiary weaknesses to push for dismissals.

The court’s pace makes it easy for cases to slip through without full review — unless your lawyer knows how to slow the process and keep the focus on the facts.

Preliminary Hearings for Felony Cases

Although West Justice Center is primarily a misdemeanor court, certain felony cases start here. For these cases, the preliminary hearing is critical for:

• Testing the strength of the prosecution’s probable cause.
• Locking witnesses into sworn testimony.
• Challenging unreliable identifications or statements.

If the case survives preliminary hearing, it may be sent to Central Justice Center for trial. Even then, work done at West Justice Center can shape the outcome.

Trials at West Justice Center

Trials here are most often for misdemeanors, including DUI, petty theft, and domestic battery. The jury pool is drawn from the west Orange County community, which has its own local perspectives and attitudes. We tailor jury selection and trial strategy to reflect those local values, ensuring the defense resonates with the people who will decide the verdict.

Common Criminal Charges at West Justice Center

We defend clients against charges including:

• DUI and DUI with injury
• Domestic violence and protective order violations
• Petty theft, shoplifting, and burglary
• Drug possession and possession for sale
• Assault, battery, and disturbing the peace
• Weapons offenses
• Probation violations

Why Choose Power Trial Lawyers for West Justice Center Cases

• Extensive experience with the court’s structure, judges, and prosecutors.
• Proven record of achieving dismissals, reductions, and acquittals.
• Local knowledge that shapes both negotiations and trial strategy.
• 24/7 availability for emergency representation, including same-day arraignments.

If your case is in West Justice Center, call 888-808-2179 immediately or request a confidential consultation online. The sooner we get involved, the more opportunities we have to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.