How to Prepare to Appear in San Diego Criminal Court

Posted on: September 6th, 2024 by Dod Law

San Diego Criminal Court

Television shows have given many people an inaccurate understanding of what happens after someone gets arrested. If you’re dealing with new criminal charges, you may have questions about how you can prepare to appear in San Diego criminal court. Fortunately, Dod Law is here to walk you through the best preparatory steps.

If you can outline the facts of your case ahead of time, you can navigate through the criminal system more effectively. Dod Law can stand by you every step of the way to keep you up-to-date on new case developments. You can count on our team to make sure you’re as prepared as possible before you appear in San Diego’s criminal courts.

What to Expect From an Arraignment

There is no singular way to prepare to appear in San Diego’s criminal court. Instead, there are multiple stages to the criminal process, all of which require independent preparation. Your arraignment comes first.

You must attend an arraignment regardless of whether or not you’re in police custody. Arraignments see you formally charged. Judges will also use arraignments to outline your constitutional rights. If you have a criminal defense attorney representing you, both of you will receive a formal complaint detailing your charge.

Judges can also use arraignment to set your bail, if applicable. Your right to bail hinges on the severity of your alleged crime, your community engagement, your previous criminal record, and any danger you may present to the community.

How to Prepare for an Arraignment

When preparing for an arraignment, connecting with a criminal defense attorney can make it easier for you to argue for a reduction in bail. Attorneys can also go over any additional charges you may face, considering the circumstances of your arrest.

It is in your best interest to pick out a nice and clean outfit to wear ahead of your arraignment. Also, ensure that you’re well-groomed. You can even take time to go over court etiquette with an attorney. Doing so does not change your charges, but it lets the court know you’re taking your charge seriously. 

How to Prepare for a Pre-Trial Conference

Pre-trial conferences allow your criminal defense attorney to discuss your case with a judge and prosecutor. Many criminal defense attorneys use pre-trial conferences to argue for your right to a plea deal or to question the strength of the prosecution’s case.

You do not have to personally attend a pre-trial conference. Instead, you can discuss whether or not you’re willing to negotiate a plea deal with your attorney ahead of time. If you are, your attorney can bring up your terms at the conference.

How to Prepare for a Preliminary Hearing

You may only have to undergo a preliminary hearing if the state charges you with a felony. The state uses preliminary hearings to assess the evidence supporting the charges the prosecution intends to bring against you.

The prosecution does not have to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a preliminary hearing. Instead, the prosecution can instead argue that there is a preponderance of evidence suggesting you committed a crime.

Neither you nor your attorney need to be present during a preliminary hearing. However, your attorney may present an argument against the prosecution’s findings or study the prosecution’s attack. 

What to Expect From a San Diego Criminal Trial

If an attorney can’t get your case dismissed during a preliminary hearing and you don’t come to an agreement during a pre-trial conference, your criminal case may go to trial. The court will select a jury, and you’ll undergo:

• Discovery
• Opening statements
• Examination
• Cross-examination
• Closing statements and deliberation

This process tends to take a considerable amount of time, even when addressing misdemeanors or first offenses. A court may continue your case when witnesses take too long to disclose their statements or the court has conflicts in its schedule.

You can discuss what your case’s timeline looks like with an attorney ahead of the actual proceedings. A criminal defense attorney can then recommend steps that may limit the proceedings’ impact on your daily life, such as DMV hearings, to reinstate your suspended license.

Let an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Prepare You for an Appearance in San Diego Criminal Court

Our team at Dod Law has decades of experience supporting California residents like you throughout the criminal process. Dod Law can make sure you’re as informed as possible before you appear in a San Diego criminal court – but only if you reach out for support.

Contact us at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Orange County office 949-681-7020 | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form.