Criminal Defense Attorney in Orange County

Criminal cases in Orange County are heard by the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. The steps below follow the Judicial Council’s self-help guide.

• Arraignment. This is usually the first court date. The judge tells you the charges and your rights, and you enter a plea. Talk to a lawyer before pleading guilty or no contest.
• Pretrial. Misdemeanor cases usually go to a pretrial conference, where the defense and the prosecutor discuss the case and the evidence.
• Preliminary hearing (felonies). In a felony case, a judge generally decides at a preliminary hearing whether there is enough evidence for the case to go forward. If the judge holds you to answer, the prosecutor files an information and you are arraigned again before trial.
• Trial or resolution. A case can be dismissed, resolved by agreement, or go to trial.

According to the court, the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana handles criminal matters for Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, and Villa Park, along with various felony hearings for all Orange County cities. The West Justice Center in Westminster and the North Justice Center in Fullerton also handle criminal matters. The full list is on the court’s locations page, and I keep short notes on my courts page.

1. Do not talk about the facts of your case with police, friends, or anyone on social media. You can say you want to speak with a lawyer.
2. Keep every piece of paper you were given: the citation or bail paperwork, any property receipt, and any DMV notice. Your court date and courthouse are usually listed there.
3. Write down what you remember while it is fresh: times, places, who was there, and what was said.
4. Do not miss your court date. If you are not sure where to go, the Orange County Superior Court website lists each courthouse.
5. Call me at (310) 938-1992 for a free, confidential consultation before your first court date.