When it comes to criminal defense, there are numerous City Attorney hearings throughout the San Fernando Valley, which are overseen by the City Attorney's office for misdemeanor cases, domestic violence cases, and similar matters.
A City Attorney hearing in Van Nuys is conducted right near the courthouse. In the Marvin Braun Building in Van Nuys, essentially, what is happening with the City Attorney hearing is that a hearing officer, who is not a City Attorney, is paid to try to resolve criminal cases.

When your case is set for a City Attorney hearing, there's a significant possibility of a non-filing outcome. This means you could convince the City Attorney's office not to file a criminal case against you, offering a hopeful resolution and a chance to move forward.
If the City Attorney decides to file a case and you continue to commit offenses, they have the authority to refile both the new and the old cases. In essence, they are telling you, 'Do not repeat this behavior.'
Sometimes, if it's a domestic violence case, they might make you do some anger management courses or domestic violence courses to prevent them not to filing a claim. At other times, they may warn you and inform you that they intend to keep the case in the office for a year, and if you have any further issues, they'll file this case against you.
It's crucial to understand that your conduct at the City Attorney hearing can significantly influence the outcome. I've witnessed cases where a lack of politeness or cooperation led to filings. This underscores the power you have to shape your own legal journey.
Experienced Lawyer City Attorney Hearings
If there's a possibility of a criminal case being filed against you, it's highly advisable to have a competent attorney by your side. With their expertise, they can navigate you through the process. Having handled numerous City Attorney hearings, I am familiar with the operations of the Van Nuys City Attorney's office. They may decide to give you a break, but having an attorney can significantly increase your chances of success, giving you the confidence that you're not alone in this process.
Let's have a City Attorney hearing. Then, the hearing is held, and the hearing officer, at the conclusion of the hearing, will either make a decision or notify you of a later date. Usually, they'll make it on that date, and then they'll discuss it with the City Attorney.
Now, many times, you can get your arrest record cleared if the City Attorney holds a hearing and decides not to file any charges against you, which is beneficial. They'll have you or your attorney contact the liaison officer for the City Attorney's office in Van Nuys and make the necessary arrangements to have them release you, essentially stating that it's not an arrest. Your attorney can guide you through this process and ensure that your record is cleared as quickly and efficiently as possible.
If the City Attorney hearing results in a non-filing, your arrest record can be cleared. This means that future background checks won't reveal any filed cases or convictions. It's a reassuring outcome that can provide a sense of security and peace of mind. It also means that you won't have to go through a trial, saving you time, money, and stress.
So, City Attorney hearings in Van Nuys are basically to determine whether charges will be filed. But I'm telling you, having done this for twenty-five years, most of the time, if it's handled the right way with your criminal attorney, you're going to end up with a non-filing, and you're going to get a chance to move on with your life. This potential for a non-filing outcome should give you hope and optimism about your case.
But I have seen them conduct City Attorney hearings in Van Nuys. They let the person have a break, and they don't file anything. Six months later, the person picks up another domestic violence charge related to the same individual; now they file both cases against them. The chance that they got the City Attorney hearing on and the new orders, and now you're looking at double the time and double the problem.
So, if you were arrested and have a City Attorney hearing in Van Nuys, consult with an excellent criminal defense attorney familiar with that courthouse, the prosecutors, and the City Attorney hearings. Provide them with all the relevant information. Let them advise you on how you will conduct yourself in the City Attorney hearing. Let them do most of the talking to try to help you. Follow their lead, and you should be able to get a non-filing, which is just as good as a dismissal.