What Happens at an Arraignment in Orange County?

Your first court appearance in Orange County

The arraignment is the first court hearing after your arrest. In Orange County, this typically takes place within 48–72 hours of arrest — often at the Central Justice Center (700 W Civic Center Dr, Santa Ana). Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and lead to better outcomes.

What the judge does at arraignment

1. Reads the charges. The complaint filed by the Orange County District Attorney is read aloud (or you can waive the reading).
2. Advises you of your rights. Right to an attorney, right to a jury trial, right to confront witnesses, right against self-incrimination, right to a speedy trial.
3. Asks for your plea. Guilty, not guilty, or no contest (nolo contendere).
4. Addresses bail. Sets, modifies, or releases you on your own recognizance (OR).
5. Sets future dates. Typically a pre-trial conference 30–45 days out.

Plea options at arraignment

• Not guilty — preserves all rights, gives time to investigate. Almost always the right choice.
• Guilty — case proceeds straight to sentencing. You waive trial rights. Rarely advisable without negotiation.
• No contest (nolo contendere) — same criminal effect as guilty, but cannot be used against you in a parallel civil case. Useful in DUI with injury or assault cases.

Bail in Orange County

The judge uses the Orange County bail schedule as a starting point but can deviate. Factors include:

• Severity of charges (felony vs. misdemeanor)
• Criminal history
• Ties to the community (job, family, length of residence)
• Flight risk
• Public safety

An experienced attorney can argue for OR release or reduced bail by presenting evidence of community ties, employment, and lack of flight risk. This is one of the most valuable services a lawyer provides at arraignment.

Where Orange County arraignments happen

• Central Justice Center (700 W Civic Center Dr, Santa Ana) — most felony arraignments and Santa Ana misdemeanors
• Harbor Justice Center (4601 Jamboree Rd, Newport Beach) — Newport, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach
• North Justice Center (1275 N Berkeley Ave, Fullerton) — Anaheim, Tustin, Fullerton, Yorba Linda
• Lamoreaux Justice Center (341 The City Dr S, Orange) — Irvine, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo

What to bring (or not bring) to arraignment

• Photo ID
• Court paperwork (citation or release forms)
• Proof of employment, residency (helpful for OR release arguments)
• Do NOT bring: weapons, drugs, large amounts of cash, or recording devices
• Dress code: Business casual at minimum. Judges notice.

What happens after arraignment

After a not-guilty plea, your case moves to the pre-trial phase. Your attorney will receive discovery (police reports, witness statements, body cam, lab results), file motions to suppress evidence if appropriate, and begin negotiations with the DA. Most cases are resolved at the pre-trial stage; only a small percentage go to jury trial.

Get representation before arraignment

If you or a loved one is facing arraignment in Orange County, contact our office immediately. The Law Offices of Steven A. Alexander has appeared at the Central Justice Center thousands of times over 30+ years.