Facing your first court appearance can be confusing, especially in Los Angeles County where the criminal courts move quickly. Your first appearance — typically called an arraignment in California — sets the stage for your case and affects how things move forward. Here’s what you should expect at your arraignment, and how you can come prepared.
What Is an Arraignment?
An arraignment is a formal hearing where:
- You are informed of the charges filed against you.
- You are given a copy of the accusation or complaint.
- You are asked to enter a plea (usually “not guilty,” but sometimes “no contest” or “guilty” depending on your case).
- The court may set bail or release conditions and schedule future hearings.
In Los Angeles, arraignments are often held in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, and they apply whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.
How the Arraignment Works in Los Angeles
Here’s a breakdown of how things typically proceed:
- Check‑in and security: You’ll arrive at the courthouse, pass through security screening, check in at your courtroom, and wait for your case to be called.
- Reading the charges: When the judge calls your name, you’ll be brought before the court. The prosecutor or clerk will read or summarize the charges against you.
- Your plea: You’ll be asked: “How do you plead?” Most defendants plead not guilty at this stage. You want time to investigate, consult an attorney, and explore possible defenses.
- Bail or release conditions: If you’re in custody, the judge will decide whether to set or adjust bail, or release you on your own recognizance (OR). For defendants free ahead of the court date, the judge may impose conditions like travel restrictions, no‑contact orders, checkpoints, or drug testing.
- Setting the next hearing date: The judge will calendar the next court appearance, such as a preliminary hearing (for felonies), a pre‑trial conference, or a plea readiness conference.
- Reading of rights and advisements: You may hear the court advise you of your rights—right to a lawyer, right to remain silent, consequences of plea. If you can’t afford an attorney, the judge will advise you of your right to have one appointed.
Why Your Plea Matters
The plea you enter at arraignment matters because:
- Pleading not guilty keeps your rights intact to challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, or go to trial.
- Pleading guilty or no contest typically means the case moves immediately toward sentencing or resolution. You lose some rights to challenge the prosecution or bargain.
- In felony matters, a plea may trigger release on bail or put you on accelerated timelines.
In Los Angeles, many defendants enter a not‑guilty plea at arraignment simply to ensure they have breathing room and full defense rights.
What You Should Do Before Your First Court Date
To maximize your position, consider doing the following:
- Hire a criminal defense attorney (especially in LA)—early representation helps you understand the charges, possible defenses, and strategies going forward.
- Review the charging documents and your arrest report. Know what you’re up against.
- Gather facts: what happened, witness names, evidence of your side.
- Stay compliant with conditions: if you’re released, obey bail terms, travel limits, or check‑in requirements. Violation may jeopardize your status.
- Don’t talk to anyone about the case: limit discussions to your attorney. Your comments may harm your defense.
- Arrive early at the courthouse, dress respectfully, bring your case number, ID, and attorney’s contact information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Los Angeles
- Not retaining an attorney before the hearing. In LA’s fast‑moving court system, delays cost you options.
- Entering a plea without full understanding of rights, consequences, or the nature of your charges.
- Failing to show up. Missing arraignment may lead to bench warrants, loss of bail, and worsened outcomes.
- Discussing your case publicly or via social media. It often ends up in the prosecution’s hands.
- Thinking the arraignment is low‑stakes. Early appearance sets tone, pleads, and release—getting it wrong makes defense harder.
After the Arraignment — What Comes Next
Once your arraignment ends:
- Your case moves into the next phase: in a felony, a preliminary hearing or felony plea may be set; in a misdemeanor, a trial readiness hearing or plea negotiation often follows.
- Your attorney will start investigating: police reports, discovery, witness statements, evidence.
- You may engage in plea discussions with the prosecutor to seek reductions or dismissals.
- If you entered a not‑guilty plea, you’ll get time to prepare for trial or further hearings.
Final Thought
Your first court date—the arraignment—is a pivotal moment in a criminal case, especially in Los Angeles. It determines how your case moves forward, whether you’re released, and preserves your rights. Visit that hearing prepared, know your rights, and have a skilled attorney by your side.
Contact Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners today for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through every step of your arraignment, explain the stakes, and help you build the strongest possible defense from day one.