What to Expect at Criminal Court Hearings in Orange County

If you have never been to court before, it can seem pretty daunting and making etiquette mistakes is easy. These concerns are completely natural to feel. On top of that, the legal process itself is complex and intimidating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Having a trustworthy, caring, and professional Orange County criminal defense attorney next to you from start to finish can make a world of difference. At the Law Office of William Bruzzo, we are here to guide you and answer any questions you may have.

Arraignment Hearings

The first step in the criminal court process is called an arraignment hearing. This is where you will be officially informed of the charges against you and asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. It is highly recommended that you have legal representation at this stage to ensure that your rights are protected. Your Orange County criminal defense attorney can advise you on the best course of action to take and negotiate with the prosecution, if necessary.

Pretrial Hearings

After the arraignment, there may be several pretrial hearings where various motions can be filed, plea deals may be negotiated, and other pretrial matters get addressed. These hearings are an opportunity for both the prosecution and the defense to present their arguments and evidence to the judge. As your attorney, the Law Office of William Bruzzo will work diligently to build a strong defense strategy and explore all possible options.

Trial

If your case goes to trial, it means that the prosecution and the defense were unable to reach a resolution or plea bargain during the pretrial phase. The trial is a formal proceeding where the evidence will be presented, witnesses will testify, and both sides will present their persuasive opening and closing arguments. Your Orange County criminal defense lawyer will use their skills and experience to challenge the prosecution’s case and advocate for your innocence. It is important to have the right lawyer by your side throughout the trial.

Sentencing Hearings

If you are found guilty or plead guilty to the charges, a sentencing hearing will determine the consequences you face. The judge will consider various factors such as the nature of the offense, your criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Your lawyer will present arguments for a lenient sentence and advocate for alternatives to incarceration, such as probation or treatment programs.

Appeals Hearings

If you believe that errors were made during your trial or that your constitutional rights were violated, you have grounds to appeal your conviction. Appeals hearings are a chance to present evidence and arguments to a higher court, asking them to review the lower court’s decision. You may have the opportunity to reverse the original judge or jury’s decision. Not all attorneys are familiar with appealing a court decision, as it is markedly different from a standard trial. There will often be more than one judge and little more than a brief speech made in court, nothing more.

Expungement Hearings

If you have successfully completed your sentence or probation and meet certain criteria, you may be eligible to have your criminal record expunged or wiped clean. Expungement hearings involve presenting evidence of rehabilitation and demonstrating that you have made positive changes in your life since the conviction. Your Orange County criminal defense attorney can guide you through the expungement process and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Insider Tips for Going to Court in Orange County

As a seasoned Orange County criminal defense lawyer, here are our team’s best tips and tricks for surviving a trip to court in Orange County, California. First, familiarize yourself with the specific addresses, hours, parking information, and security tips for the court you need to voice. Below are the main Orange County criminal courts:

Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center

• Address: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
• Parking: Paid public parking lots are available nearby. Here is a parking map provided by the Orange County District Attorney.

Orange County Superior Court – North Justice Center

• Address: 1275 North Berkeley Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832 
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
• Parking: The court has a parking garage. Here is a parking map. 

Orange County Superior Court – West Justice Center

• Address: 8141 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683 
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
• Parking: Paid parking is available all around the courthouse. See the parking map here.

Orange County Superior Court – Harbor Justice Center

• Address: 4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660 
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
• Parking: Parking is available in a free lot adjacent to the court on Harbor Blvd. and Sunflower Ave. Click for map. 

At any and all Orange County superior courthouses, leave prohibited items like weapons, cameras, and cell phones in your vehicle. Dress appropriately and arrive early to allow time to go through security and figure out where your court room is. 

What Are the Rules for Attire in the Courtroom?

The Orange County superior court website states, “No shorts, tank tops, hats, or sunglasses (unless prescription) are permitted.” Beyond these rules, you can be thrown out if the judge feels your appearance is inappropriate. You must dress in a manner that shows respect for the court and the legal process. Here are some general guidelines:

• Avoid revealing attire, such as shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops.
• Remove hats or sunglasses when entering the courtroom.
• Don’t wear offensive logos or messages.
• No excessive, distracting jewelry and accessories.
• Wear something nicer than jeans and a t-shirt or hoody. First impressions matter—dress up to the best of your ability.

Again, if you do not adhere to the dress code, you can be denied entry to the courtroom or asked to return dressed appropriately. Always maintain a professional appearance to demonstrate your respect for the court and to present yourself in the best possible light.

Your Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Orange County 

The helpful, caring legal team at the Law Office of William Bruzzo provides personalized guidance and strong advocacy throughout every stage of your case. If you’ve been arrested, having the right Orange County criminal defense lawyer by your side is crucial. To speak to an attorney now, contact our office.