Court Proceedings

San Diego Felony Case Stages

The attorneys at The Hullinger Firm, PC will defend you at every step of your felony case.  The typical felony case involves 8 court appearances and numerous filings throughout.  We only skim the surface of what actually goes on.  A felony is a serious accusation.

Arraignment

Step 1 – Arraignment on Complaint

• if defendant is in custody, this must be done within 72 hours after arrest
• the defendant is read the formal charges issued against him/her
• depending on the charges alleged, bail is set according to the Judicial Council Bail Schedule
• future court dates are scheduled
• defendant must appear

Step 2 – Bail Review

• must be done within 3 days (excluding weekends) of arraignment
• hearing in front of judge to determine whether to increase or decrease bail amount
• if defendant is not a flight risk or a danger to the community, then bail can be reduced
• you need an attorney at this stage to organize evidence and present it in front of the judge

Step 3 – Readiness Conference (#1)

• open meeting between judge, prosecutor, and an attorney from The Hullinger Firm, PC
• bargaining and case discussion occurs

Preliminary Hearing

Step 4 – Preliminary Hearing

• occurs within 10 days of arraignment on complaint
• can be continued to a later date depending on the case complexity
• evidentiary hearing where DA presents evidence and calls witnesses
• officers may testify as to hearsay (officers can’t testify as to “double hearsay”)
• defense can present evidence
• prosecution must establish that probable cause exists in order for case to continue

Step 5 – Arraignment on Information

• formal charges read and affirmed
• defendant advised of constitutional rights
• future court dates are scheduled

Step 6 – Readiness Conference (#2)

• within 45 days of last court date
• open meeting between judge, prosecutor, and an attorney from The Hullinger Firm, PC
• bargaining and case discussion occurs

Trial

Step 7 – Jury Trial (or Judge)

• usually within 60 days of preliminary hearing
• in front of a jury of defendant’s peers or sitting judge
• DA presents case and must show beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant actually committed the crime
• witnesses and evidence presented
• verdict rendered

Sentencing (if applicable)

Step 8 – Sentencing

• within 20 days (excluding weekends) after guilty plea or guilty verdict
• judge receives a probation report
• defense submits evidence of mitigating factors
• judge determines sentence under sentencing guidelines and taking into account mitigating evidence