First Street U.S. Courthouse (Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse) (C.D. Cal.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Devices may be possessed in all C.D. Cal. courthouses after security screening, and phones should be set to silent/vibrate on entry. They may be used without disruption, but never for photos, recording, broadcasting or streaming in public areas. Devices must be completely off in all courtrooms at all times, in other rooms while proceedings are under way, in jury rooms during deliberations, and wherever restrictions are posted. Violators may be removed, sanctioned or held in contempt, and devices may be confiscated. The same Local Rule applies at Roybal (255 E. Temple St., LA) and Santa Ana (Ronald Reagan Federal Building, 411 W. 4th St.). Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Central District of California |
|---|---|
| Address | 350 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
| Public phones | Allowed for the public |
| Rule for visitors | Devices may be possessed in all C.D. Cal. courthouses after security screening, and phones should be set to silent/vibrate on entry. They may be used without disruption, but never for photos, recording, broadcasting or streaming in public areas. Devices must be completely off in all courtrooms at all times, in other rooms while proceedings are under way, in jury rooms during deliberations, and wherever restrictions are posted. Violators may be removed, sanctioned or held in contempt, and devices may be confiscated. The same Local Rule applies at Roybal (255 E. Temple St., LA) and Santa Ana (Ronald Reagan Federal Building, 411 W. 4th St.). |
| Jurors | Phones may be used in the jury assembly room, where internet is available and personal computers are allowed. Calling, texting, games and cameras are prohibited in courtrooms. Devices may not be used during proceedings or in jury rooms during deliberations. |
| Attorneys | Same possession and use rules as the public. Admitted attorneys may also make audio dictation recordings in the attorney lounge, witness rooms or the Clerk's Office. |
| Governing order | C.D. Cal. L.R. 83-6 (Local Rules effective June 1, 2025) |
Federal and county courthouses set separate rules. If your case is in state or county court (traffic, family, most criminal cases, state jury duty), see California county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in California
- Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse
- Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
- James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the First Street U.S. Courthouse (Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse)?
Devices may be possessed in all C.D. Cal. courthouses after security screening, and phones should be set to silent/vibrate on entry. They may be used without disruption, but never for photos, recording, broadcasting or streaming in public areas. Devices must be completely off in all courtrooms at all times, in other rooms while proceedings are under way, in jury rooms during deliberations, and wherever restrictions are posted. Violators may be removed, sanctioned or held in contempt, and devices may be confiscated. The same Local Rule applies at Roybal (255 E. Temple St., LA) and Santa Ana (Ronald Reagan Federal Building, 411 W. 4th St.).
Can jurors bring phones to the First Street U.S. Courthouse (Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse)?
Phones may be used in the jury assembly room, where internet is available and personal computers are allowed. Calling, texting, games and cameras are prohibited in courtrooms. Devices may not be used during proceedings or in jury rooms during deliberations.
Can attorneys bring phones to the First Street U.S. Courthouse (Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse)?
Same possession and use rules as the public. Admitted attorneys may also make audio dictation recordings in the attorney lounge, witness rooms or the Clerk's Office.
Can I bring a gun or knife into a federal courthouse?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons in federal court facilities, with narrow exceptions such as on-duty law enforcement.