Los Angeles Arraignment Lawyer

Los Angeles Arraignment Attorney

When you are charged with a criminal offense, your first court proceeding is usually the arraignment. This is generally your first courtroom experience connected to your case, and the result of the arraignment will decide the remainder of your case. The arraignment process can be overwhelming and terrifying all at once, and it is recommended that you retain the services of a Los Angeles arraignment lawyer to make sure everything goes as smoothly as it possibly can for you.

What Is Arraignment?

The arraignment process in California is where some of the most significant elements of your case are decided with your input. This includes your plea of guilty or not guilty, the issue of bail or release, and your future court dates. Depending on what crime you are charged with, the next stage of your criminal court process could be a pretrial or preliminary hearing. If you are charged with a felony, you are required to appear at your arraignment.

In many ways, the arraignment can be the most crucial stage in the criminal court process for you. During this process, you are fully informed of the charges against you, advised of the rights available to you, and given the opportunity to enter your plea. It is vital that you understand the arraignment process so you can work through the rest of your case with a bit of clarity.

The Arraignment Process in California

Before you go in front of a judge and formally enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, you should know exactly what to expect from the overall process. An experienced arraignment lawyer can be present for you and provide you with much-needed focus as you go through what could be an intimidating and confusing process. The last thing you want is to be unprepared. Here is an overview of how the arraignment process works in California:

• Appearing in Court: The arraignment begins with your court appearance. You, as the defendant, will appear before a judge. You will generally be accompanied by your lawyer unless you have chosen to represent yourself, which is not advisable. You are well within your legal rights to choose not to hire legal counsel, but it is recommended that you hire a lawyer any time you are dealing with legal trouble of any kind.
• Charges Are Read: As the arraignment begins, the judge will read out the list of charges being made against you. The charges will outline the specific crimes you are accused of committing.
• Awareness of Rights: At this point, the judge will advise the defendant of your constitutional rights. These include your right to retain legal counsel, your right to remain silent, and your right to a fair and speedy trial. The case cannot proceed further until you acknowledge your awareness of these rights.
• Enter a Plea: Once you are informed of your rights and charges, you will enter a plea. Your lawyer will advise you on what you should say, but the choice is ultimately your own. By pleading guilty, you admit to the charges. You could be immediately sentenced, but sometimes pleading guilty means the judge could be a bit lenient. By pleading not guilty, the case proceeds and possibly goes to trial.
• Bail: If you are already in police custody, the judge may settle the matter of bail during the arraignment. The judge will consider the gravity of the charges, your past criminal history, and the risk that you will flee.
• Future Court Dates: If you plead not guilty, the judge will schedule future hearings for pretrial hearings and the possibility of a full trial.

FAQs

Can You Go to Jail at an Arraignment in California?

Yes, you absolutely can go to jail at an arraignment in California. If you decide to plead guilty, depending on the charges, you could go right back into police custody while awaiting sentencing. If the judge denies bail, you could go back into custody. If bail is set too high and you are unable to pay it, you could go back into custody. An arraignment is simply the first step in your criminal trial.

How Much Is a Lawyer in Los Angeles?

How much a lawyer might be in Los Angeles can vary widely. Every criminal case is going to be unique, with its own specific circumstances that make every individual case unique. Since each case is unique, the lawyer’s fee is going to be different, too. Your lawyer’s fee will depend on many different elements, including their experience, education, resources, availability, and the difficulty of your case.

How Do You Press Charges in Los Angeles?

Pressing charges against somebody means initiating a criminal case against them. In Los Angeles, the easiest way to press charges against someone is to call the police and file a report against them. The police will investigate your case and bring their findings to the District Attorney (DA). The DA will be the one to decide whether or not to file charges for a criminal case based on the police’s findings.

What Is the Difference Between a City Attorney and a District Attorney in Los Angeles?

The primary difference between a city attorney and a district attorney in Los Angeles is their jurisdiction. A city attorney represents the city’s interest in civil matters and prosecutes some minor misdemeanor violations that affect the city. A district attorney, on the other hand, prosecutes the majority of criminal cases on behalf of the entire county.

Reach Out to an Arraignment Lawyer Today

The decisions that are made at your arraignment are going to affect the outcome of your entire trial. How you plead and whether or not you get bail can have serious repercussions on your case. It is important that you have someone in your corner who understands what’s at stake and can provide you with legal assistance.

The legal team at Law Offices of Marc S. Nurik can provide you with peace of mind that your case is being handled by the right people. Contact us to speak with a valued team member about a consultation.