What to Expect at Your First Criminal Court Appearance (Arraignment) in San Diego

Your hands are shaking as you hold the court papers. The arraignment date stares back at you. What happens at first court appearances in California? Your stomach churns with questions you can’t answer.

What will happen? What should you wear? Will you go to jail?

Walking into a San Diego County courthouse for the first time as a defendant feels like stepping into another world, one where everyone knows the rules except you. Where a single wrong word could change everything.

But here’s what they don’t tell you: that first appearance follows a predictable script. Understanding it transforms fear into preparation. Anxiety into action.

Which San Diego Courthouse Will You Report To?

San Diego County operates multiple courthouses, and your citation or bail paperwork will specify exactly where to appear. Missing this detail means missing court—and that means a warrant for your arrest.

Central Courthouse – Downtown San Diego

Located in the heart of downtown at 1100 Union Street, this courthouse handles most felony cases and serious misdemeanors from central San Diego. If you’re charged with a crime that occurred in neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, Ocean Beach, or downtown itself, you’ll likely appear here.

South County Regional Center – Chula Vista

Serving South Bay communities at 500 3rd Avenue, this courthouse processes cases from Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, and southern San Diego neighborhoods.

East County Regional Center – El Cajon

Located at 250 E. Main Street, this courthouse serves El Cajon, Santee, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and eastern San Diego communities.

North County Regional Center – Vista

At 325 S. Melrose Drive, this courthouse handles cases from Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, and North County inland communities.

Juvenile Court – Kearny Mesa

Located on Meadow Lark Drive, this specialized court handles all cases involving minors under 18 in San Diego County.

Federal Court – Southern District of California

Federal criminal cases report to the Edward J. Schwartz U.S. Courthouse at 221 West Broadway in downtown San Diego.

Double-check your paperwork. Triple-check the date and time. Set multiple alarms. Missing your arraignment is one of the worst mistakes you can make.

Preparing for the Day of Your Arraignment

What to Wear

Dress like you’re going to a job interview for a position you desperately need. Because in a way, you are.

Men should wear slacks and a collared shirt at minimum—a suit if you have one. Women should choose business or business-casual attire. No shorts. No tank tops. No clothing with messages or logos. Remove excessive jewelry.

This isn’t about judgment or fairness. It’s about strategy. Every detail matters when your freedom is on the line.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID
• All court paperwork you’ve received
• Pen and paper for notes
• Contact information for family or employer (in case you need to arrange bail)
• Prescription medications you might need throughout the day
• Phone numbers written down (phones must be turned off in court)

What NOT to Bring

• Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives)
• Recording devices
• Large bags or backpacks (small purses are usually allowed)
• Excessive cash or valuables
• Anyone who might be disruptive or emotional

Arriving at the Courthouse

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. San Diego courthouses have metal detectors and security screening that can create long lines, especially on Monday mornings and right after lunch.

Once through security, find the information desk or check the posted docket sheets to confirm your courtroom. San Diego courthouses typically post daily calendars outside each department listing all scheduled appearances.

If you can’t find your name or courtroom, immediately ask court staff for help. Don’t wander, hoping to figure it out. Don’t assume you’ll find it eventually. Time is not your friend here.

Inside the Courtroom

Walking into a criminal courtroom feels overwhelming. But understanding who’s who and what’s happening demystifies the process.

The Key Players

• The Judge: Controls the proceedings from the elevated bench
• The Prosecutor: Represents the state (usually sitting at the table closest to the jury box)
• The Bailiff: Maintains order and security
• The Court Clerk: Manages paperwork and scheduling
• The Court Reporter: Records everything said on the record
• Public Defender: May be present, handling multiple cases

Courtroom Etiquette

• Turn off your phone completely—not just silent
• Address the judge as “Your Honor”
• Speak only when spoken to
• No eating, drinking, or chewing gum
• Remain seated unless instructed otherwise
• Keep conversations to an absolute minimum

The Arraignment Process

Your arraignment serves three primary purposes: formal notification of charges, entering a plea, and addressing bail.

1. Reading of Charges

The judge will read the charges against you or ask if you waive formal reading. Most defendants waive this formality—your attorney has already reviewed the charges with you, and public reading serves no strategic purpose.

2. Appointment of Counsel

If you haven’t hired an attorney, the judge will ask if you can afford one by having you fill out a financial declaration. Be honest. If you qualify financially, the court will appoint a public defender. If you’re hiring private counsel but they’re not present, inform the judge and request a brief continuance.

3. Entering Your Plea

You have three options:

• Not Guilty: The standard plea that preserves all your rights
• Guilty: Admits to the charges (rarely advisable at arraignment)
• No Contest: Accepts punishment without admitting guilt

Unless your attorney advises otherwise, plead not guilty. This isn’t about honesty or morality—it’s about protecting your rights while your attorney investigates and negotiates.

4. Bail Determination

The judge will address whether you’ll remain free while your case proceeds. Options include:

• Released on Own Recognizance (OR): No bail required
• Bail Set: Must post money or bond to remain free
• Bail Denied: Remain in custody (rare for first appearances)

Factors affecting bail include:

• Severity of charges
• Criminal history
• Community ties
• Flight risk
• Public safety concerns

5. Future Court Dates

Before leaving, you’ll receive your next court date—typically a pre-trial conference or preliminary hearing for felonies. Mark this date immediately. Missing it means a warrant and possible bail forfeiture.

Special Circumstances

If You’re in Custody

Custody arraignments happen via video link from jail or in specialty courtrooms. The process remains similar, but bail becomes the critical issue. Having family present who can post bail or speak to your community ties helps significantly.

If You Miss Your Arraignment

A bench warrant is issued immediately. Don’t panic, but don’t delay. Contact an attorney immediately to arrange a voluntary surrender or a new arraignment. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.

If the Prosecutor Adds Charges

Sometimes prosecutors file additional or different charges than what appeared on your citation. This isn’t uncommon. Don’t react emotionally. Your attorney will address these changes strategically.

Next Steps After Your Arraignment

Once you leave the courthouse, your real work begins:

1. Calendar all future dates immediately in multiple places
2. Follow all bail conditions religiously—one violation sends you to jail
3. Begin gathering evidence like witness information, receipts, and photos
4. Document everything about your case while memories remain fresh
5. Stay off social media regarding anything case-related
6. Hire an attorney if you haven’t already

Common Arraignment Mistakes That Destroy Cases

Talking Too Much

The prosecutor is listening. The bailiff is listening. Everyone in the gallery can hear you. Say only what’s necessary to the judge. Save explanations for your attorney in private.

Getting Emotional

Anger, tears, or outbursts never help. Judges see hundreds of cases. Emotional displays mark you as problematic, not sympathetic.

Making Excuses

The arraignment isn’t your trial. It’s not the time to explain why you’re innocent or why the charges are unfair. Save it for the appropriate time and forum.

Discussing Your Case

In hallways, elevators, or bathrooms—assume someone is always listening. Prosecutors and witnesses use the same spaces. One overheard comment can devastate your defense.

Why Legal Representation Before Arraignment Matters

Walking into an arraignment without an attorney is like performing surgery on yourself. Technically possible, but why risk it?

An experienced attorney can:

• Negotiate with prosecutors before the court
• Present bail arguments effectively
• Identify legal issues immediately
• Prevent critical mistakes
• Begin building your defense strategy
• Potentially resolve cases at arraignment

At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve guided thousands of clients through San Diego’s criminal courts. We know every courthouse, every prosecutor’s office, and many of the judges’ tendencies. That knowledge translates into better outcomes.

Your First Appearance Sets the Tone

Your arraignment isn’t just procedural—it’s the prosecution’s first impression of you and your case. Are you taking this seriously? Are you prepared to fight? Are you someone they can push around?

The right preparation and representation sends a clear message: you’re ready to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Don’t face this alone. Don’t hope for the best. Don’t assume it will work out.

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The penalties can be life-altering and long-lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your freedom and future. Too often, we see clients who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse lawyer. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your freedom. Protect your future. Know your rights.

The contents of this article and blog are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.