An arraignment in Los Angeles is the first formal step in a criminal case. At this hearing, the judge advises the defendant of the charges, explains their rights, and requires them to enter a plea. The court may also decide whether the defendant will remain in custody, be released on bail, or be released on their own recognizance.
For defendants in Los Angeles County, arraignment is often the first appearance before a judge after an arrest. It also marks the point when strict trial deadlines begin under California law. Because Los Angeles courts are busy and prosecutors move quickly, having an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at arraignment is critical.
What Happens at an Arraignment?
While arraignment procedures vary slightly across Los Angeles courthouses, the following events almost always take place:
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Reading of Charges – The judge or clerk reads the charges from the complaint or information. Defendants may waive the formal reading.
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Advisement of Rights – The court explains rights such as the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to a speedy trial.
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Appointment of Counsel – If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court appoints a public defender.
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Entry of Plea – The defendant pleads guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In almost all felony cases, the plea is “not guilty” to preserve defenses.
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Bail and Release Issues – The judge decides whether to raise or lower bail, keep bail as set, or release the defendant on their own recognizance.
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Scheduling – The court sets future hearings, including pretrial or preliminary hearings.
Because Los Angeles prosecutors file thousands of cases each month, arraignment is not just a formality — it’s a crucial hearing where custody status and trial rights are on the line.
Misdemeanor Arraignment in Los Angeles
If you face a misdemeanor arraignment in Los Angeles, you may be tempted to plead guilty immediately to “get it over with.” That decision often backfires, because prosecutors rarely reveal all the evidence at the first hearing. A seasoned defense lawyer can negotiate, protect your rights, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Misdemeanor Speedy Trial Deadlines
California Penal Code section 1382 requires courts to honor strict trial timelines once arraignment occurs:
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In custody: Trial must begin within 30 days of arraignment.
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Out of custody: Trial must begin within 45 days of arraignment.
These deadlines protect defendants from indefinite delays. However, many defendants choose to waive time so their Los Angeles defense attorney can investigate and negotiate before trial.
Felony Arraignment in Los Angeles
A felony arraignment in Los Angeles is more complex and happens in two stages:
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Arraignment on the Complaint
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Arraignment on the Information
Stage 1: Arraignment on the Complaint
A felony case in Los Angeles begins when prosecutors file a felony complaint. At this arraignment:
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The defendant hears the charges.
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A not guilty plea is typically entered.
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Bail or release conditions are reviewed.
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The court sets a preliminary hearing date.
Complaint Deadlines
Two clocks start running at this point under Penal Code section 859b:
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10 court days: The preliminary hearing must happen within 10 court days.
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60 calendar days: If the 10 court days rule is waived, the hearing must still happen within 60 days (unless that is waived as well).
If the hearing does not occur in time and the defendant does not waive deadlines, the case must be dismissed.
Stage 2: Arraignment on the Information
If the judge finds reasonable suspicion that the defendant committed the offense(s) at the preliminary hearing, the defendant is “held to answer.” At that point, prosecutors in Los Angeles file an information, which becomes the formal charging document.
The defendant must then return to court for arraignment on the information. At this hearing:
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The charges are confirmed.
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The defendant again enters a plea (usually not guilty).
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The judge sets future trial dates.
Felony Trial Deadline After Information
Under Penal Code section 1382, the trial must begin within 60 days of arraignment on the information, unless the defendant waives time. This deadline is strictly enforced, especially in Los Angeles Superior Court, which handles one of the largest felony caseloads in the nation.
Why Arraignment in Los Angeles Matters
Arraignment is not just the start of the process — it controls the pace of the case and affects the defendant’s freedom. At arraignment:
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Speedy trial rights begin.
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Bail and release decisions happen.
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Defense strategies take shape.
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Prosecutors start evaluating the case for negotiation.
Because Los Angeles has multiple courthouses (such as Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center downtown, Van Nuys, Compton, Pasadena, and others), local knowledge is essential. An experienced Los Angeles arraignment lawyer understands how each courthouse handles bail, timelines, and scheduling.
Hire an Experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing arraignment in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. But the right legal strategy at this first appearance often makes the difference between release and custody, dismissal and conviction.
In misdemeanors, arraignment triggers the 30- or 45-day trial deadline. In felonies, arraignment on the complaint sets the preliminary hearing clock, while arraignment on the information starts the 60-day trial deadline for trial.
If you or a loved one faces arraignment, do not go it alone. A skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can fight for your release, challenge weak charges, and ensure your rights remain protected from the start.
