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What to Expect During Arraignment in Los Angeles and How Your Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on November 5, 2025

If you have been arrested in Los Angeles, your first appearance in court is called the arraignment. This is a critical stage in the criminal process. What happens during this brief hearing can have a lasting impact on your case.

The Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP work quickly to protect your rights, advocate for reasonable bail, and begin laying the groundwork for a strategic defense.

This guide breaks down the arraignment process in Los Angeles, explains your rights, and details the role of a defense attorney during arraignment, so you know exactly what to expect.

What Is an Arraignment?

An arraignment is the first formal court hearing after an arrest. It’s where the court reads the charges filed against you, informs you of your constitutional rights, and asks you to enter a plea. It’s usually where bail is set and key decisions are made that will impact the legal process.

In Los Angeles County, arraignments generally take place within 48 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. If you were released on citation or bail, your arraignment date will be scheduled in advance.

The Arraignment Timeline in Los Angeles

Here’s what typically occurs after an arrest in LA:

• 0–48 Hours Post-Arrest:
  You are booked and held in custody. The District Attorney’s office decides whether to file charges.
• Arraignment Hearing:
  Takes place within two court days of your arrest (if you’re in custody). If charges are not filed within that window, you must be released.
• First Court Appearance:
  This is your formal plea hearing, where the judge informs you of the charges and your rights.

What Happens During Arraignment?

Charges Are Read

The judge or court clerk reads the criminal complaint, which outlines the specific offenses you’re being accused of. These may include misdemeanors, felonies, or both.

Your Rights Are Explained

You’ll be advised of your constitutional rights, including:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to an attorney
• The right to a speedy trial
• The right to confront witnesses

You also have the right to hire private counsel, and it’s highly advisable to do so.

Bail Is Set

One of the most important parts of the arraignment is the bail setting. The judge determines whether to:

• Set the bail amount
• Release you on your own recognizance (OR)
• Deny bail altogether based on the seriousness of the charges or if the defendant is deemed to be a flight risk

A Plea Is Entered

You are expected to respond to the charges with one of the following pleas:

• Not Guilty: You dispute the charges (most common at arraignment)
• Guilty: You admit to the charges (rarely advisable without legal guidance)
• No Contest (Nolo Contendere): You don’t admit guilt but accept conviction

Future Court Dates Are Set

The court will schedule:

• Pretrial hearings (where motions and plea discussions happen)
• Preliminary hearing (for felony cases)
• Trial dates, if applicable

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help at Arraignment

Advocating for Lower Bail or Release Without Payment

We prepare arguments and evidence (such as character references, employment records, or lack of criminal history) to ask the judge to:

• Lower bail
• Offer release without payment (Own Recognizance)
• Allow a supervised release program

Challenging the Charges

If the criminal complaint lacks probable cause or includes improperly charged offenses, we can request that the court dismiss or reduce them. This often results in a better position for negotiation or trial.

Requesting Continuances

If more time is needed to review discovery or negotiate with the DA, we can request a continuance to avoid rushing your plea decision.

Filing Early Motions

In some cases, we may file pretrial motions immediately, including:

• Motion to dismiss the case (for legal insufficiency)
• Motion to suppress evidence (if your rights were violated)
• Motion to reduce charges from felony to misdemeanor

The goal is to weaken the prosecution’s case early and build leverage for dismissal or favorable plea deals.

Strategizing for Long-Term Defense

Your defense begins the moment we are hired. We start gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and crafting a case strategy tailored to the unique facts and political landscape of Los Angeles courts.

Your Rights During Arraignment

You are entitled to:

• Know the charges against you
• Have legal counsel
• Enter a plea voluntarily
• Have bail reviewed
• Receive notice of future court dates

Your Ally from Day One

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we know how the Los Angeles criminal justice system operates, and we use that knowledge to your advantage. Our attorneys include some of the most respected criminal defense lawyers in California.

Early intervention is key to building a solid defense. That’s why we move quickly after arrest to:

• Request release or bail reduction
• Begin collecting exonerating evidence
• Challenge unlawful police conduct
• Set the stage for dismissal or favorable outcomes

Speak With an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

If you have been arrested in Los Angeles, it’s not a good idea to walk into court alone. Call Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP today at (213) 688-0460 to schedule a consultation with one of our leading defense attorneys.

Let our team stand by your side from the start, to protect your rights, your record, and your future.

Arraignment FAQs

What if I don’t have a lawyer yet?

The court will ask if you want to represent yourself, hire private counsel, or request a public defender. Retaining your own attorney before the arraignment allows for early intervention on bail and plea strategy.

Can charges be dismissed at arraignment?

Yes. If the DA fails to file charges within 48 hours of arrest, or if there are legal defects in the complaint, your attorney can move to have the case dismissed.

How long does arraignment take?

Most arraignments last less than 30 minutes. But the consequences of what happens during this time can shape the entire case.