The West Valley Police Station, a key authority in the San Fernando Valley, holds jurisdiction over the majority of the valley's western and central areas.

West Valley Community Police Station
19020 Vanowen Street
Reseda, CA 91335
818-374-7611

They share jurisdiction with Topanga Police Station and the Lost Hills Sheriff Station, which borders Valley Circle. So, suppose a crime occurs in the middle of the San Fernando Valley. In that case, there is a good chance that the West Valley Police Station and its officers will have the authority and jurisdiction to handle that crime, and they will dispatch units to respond to and address it. Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers will explain further below.

What they do is investigate crimes. Sometimes, it's easy for them – they have witnesses who can attest to a crime being committed or even see the corruption and arrest the person. Then, they either issue a citation to appear in court or set bail. The person must then post the bail, after which they'll be in court within approximately seventy-two hours, depending on when they're arrested. Sometimes, when you are charged near a holiday, it may take longer to get you into court. After they stop somebody, that person will appear in court.

The next responsibility is to generate a police report. Hence, prosecutors have something to consider and evaluate when deciding whether to file a case against someone. So, just because West Valley police officers arrest somebody doesn't necessarily mean the prosecutors will file a criminal lawsuit against them.

Often, prosecutors will review the case and say, "You didn't conduct enough investigation on this case." We will not file it at this time. We're going to reject it, and we're asking you to conduct further investigation, come back to us, and provide us with that information. We will then reevaluate.

However, most of the time, if the police have done their job and there is evidence of a crime, they hand it over to the prosecutors, who review it, and then they file whatever charges they deem appropriate. Prosecutors play a crucial role in the legal process. They review the evidence provided by the police and decide whether to file charges against the accused. This decision is based on the strength of the evidence and the likelihood of a successful prosecution.

That's another thing that happens. Often, the West Valley Police will book somebody for a particular crime, the prosecutors get it, and they decide not to charge that crime or those crimes — we're going to prosecute different crimes because you don't have it right. 'Booking' refers to the official process of recording an individual's arrest. It involves taking their personal information, fingerprints, and a photograph. This information is then stored in the police database and can be used as evidence in court.

We don't want to be this harsh, or we want to be more brutal. So, when you arrive at the arraignment, even though the West Valley Police Station has set bail, the bail amount can increase or decrease depending on the circumstances of the case, as well as the crimes prosecutors file.

So, the West Valley Police Station has a significant responsibility. When officers attempt to gather information from a criminal defendant, they often invite them into the Station and speak with them. In my experience, this is never a good idea because they're trying to get you to make a statement that incriminates you, and then they'll arrest you right there.

Don't Make Any Statements to the Police

Remember, it's in your best interest not to make any statements to the police. This advice is to keep you informed and empowered, especially if you're under investigation for a crime. By staying informed and empowered, you can make the best decisions for your case.

When dealing with the West Valley police officers during a crime investigation, it's important to remember that they're not your friends. Their job is to uncover crimes, and they may try to get you to say something that could incriminate you. Be cautious and aware of the potential risks of speaking to them. Making statements to the police without legal representation can be risky. You may inadvertently say something that could be used against you in court. This is why it's crucial to consult with a lawyer before speaking to the police.

When dealing with West Valley police officers during a crime investigation, it's important to remember that they're not your friends. Their job is to uncover crimes, and they may try to get you to say something that could incriminate you. Be cautious and aware of the potential risks of speaking to them. This awareness can help you navigate the situation with caution and protect your rights.

I've often seen things taken out of context, words twisted, and various things happening, and obviously, it's not fair. That's why I just don't even talk to the West Valley police in the first place. Let your attorney do the talking for you. So, if the West Valley Police Station has arrested you and has a case pending, probably in Van Nuys court — that's the jurisdiction they control — you obviously should have your attorney deal with the case and deal with the police. Call the Hedding Law Firm for help.

When you receive a citation, letter, or communication from a West Valley police officer regarding a criminal case, it's crucial to seek legal representation. Let them handle it. Having a skilled attorney by your side can provide a sense of security and protection. Making the right moves now can prevent regrets later. Remember, the best evidence in criminal cases against defendants is often their own statements.