Federal health care fraud cases in Los Angeles are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, headquartered in downtown Los Angeles. Most criminal trials take place at the First Street Courthouse at 350 West First Street, while initial appearances before magistrate judges are frequently handled at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building at 255 East Temple Street a block away. Knowing how these downtown courthouses operate — and how a federal case moves through them — is a real advantage for anyone facing health care fraud charges in Los Angeles.

Federal court is a different world from state court, and the unfamiliarity alone can be daunting. This article is a practical guide to where Los Angeles health care fraud cases are heard, how the process unfolds, and what to expect at each stage. For representation in these courts, see our Los Angeles federal health care fraud lawyer page.

The Downtown Los Angeles Federal Courthouses

The Central District of California is one of the busiest federal districts in the nation, and its Western Division — which covers Los Angeles County — is centered in two downtown buildings. The First Street Courthouse, a modern courthouse at 350 West First Street, is where most district judges sit and where federal criminal trials, including health care fraud trials, are typically held. The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, at 255 East Temple Street one block away, houses magistrate judges, handles many initial appearances, and contains offices for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes health care fraud through dedicated sections, including its Major Fraud and Asset Forfeiture units. For a Los Angeles provider, the case will be investigated and tried within this downtown complex — the same complex where the region’s Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates.

How a Federal Health Care Fraud Case Moves Through LA’s Courts

A federal case follows a different rhythm than a state prosecution. It often begins long before any court appearance, during a grand jury investigation marked by subpoenas and target letters — the process we describe in our guide to what happens in an OIG health care investigation. Once charges are filed, an initial appearance and arraignment typically occur before a magistrate judge at the Roybal Building, where detention or bond conditions are set. The case is then assigned to a district judge, usually at the First Street Courthouse, for pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and, if necessary, trial.

Throughout, the case proceeds under the federal rules and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which differ sharply from state practice. The substantive charges are typically 18 USC 1347 health care fraud and often a conspiracy count under 18 USC 1349. These are exactly the cases our federal health care fraud defense practice is built around.

Practical Tips for Appearing in LA Federal Court

A few practical realities are worth knowing. Parking near the downtown courthouses is limited, so most people use commercial lots along nearby streets and walk in. Federal security screening is strict, and the rules on phones and electronics are tighter than in many state courthouses. Punctuality matters — federal calendars move, and judges expect it. And because the stakes and procedures are so different from state court, having an attorney who regularly appears in the Central District is not a luxury but a necessity.

People Also Ask: Federal Health Care Fraud Court in LA

Which court hears federal health care fraud cases in Los Angeles?

The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Trials are usually held at the First Street Courthouse at 350 West First Street downtown, and initial appearances before magistrate judges are often handled at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building at 255 East Temple Street nearby. Both are in the downtown federal complex.

What is the difference between the First Street Courthouse and the Roybal Building?

The First Street Courthouse is the main federal trial courthouse, where most district judges sit and where criminal trials are held. The Roybal Federal Building, a block away, houses magistrate judges and handles many initial appearances and arraignments, and it contains offices for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Most cases touch both buildings at different stages.

Will my health care fraud case be in state or federal court in LA?

Most significant Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE fraud cases in Los Angeles are charged federally and heard in the Central District of California. Some matters are charged under California state law and heard in state court instead. Which system applies depends on the specific facts, the programs involved, and the agencies investigating.

Do I have to appear in person at the downtown courthouse?

Generally yes for key proceedings such as arraignment and trial, though some matters may be handled by counsel or, in limited circumstances, remotely. Your attorney will advise you on which appearances are required and prepare you for each one.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal health care fraud cases in LA are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, downtown.
  • Trials are typically at the First Street Courthouse; initial appearances are often at the Roybal Federal Building a block away.
  • Cases usually begin with a grand jury investigation long before any court appearance, then move from magistrate to district judge.
  • Federal rules and the Sentencing Guidelines differ sharply from state court, so local federal experience matters.
  • Most major Medicare and Medicaid fraud cases are federal, though some conduct is charged in state court.

Contact a Los Angeles Federal Health Care Fraud Attorney

If your case is headed to the Central District of California, working with an attorney who knows the downtown federal courts and prosecutors can make a real difference. Attorney Chris Nalchadjian of KN Law Firm, APLC defends health care fraud cases in the Central District and before the Ninth Circuit at every stage — from pre-charge investigation through trial and appeal. Learn more on our Los Angeles federal health care fraud lawyer page, then call (888) 950-0011 for a free, confidential consultation — available 24/7 in English and Spanish.