Getting arrested feels overwhelming and scary. You don’t know what comes next, and the criminal justice system seems like a maze of confusing procedures and legal terms.
At Simmrin Law Group, we’ve guided thousands of clients through what happens after arrest in Burbank and across Los Angeles County. With over 100 jury trials under our belt, including capital murder cases, we know exactly what you’re facing at each step.
Let us walk you through the entire process so you understand what to expect and how we protect your rights every step of the way.
The First 48 Hours: Booking and Initial Processing
What happens after arrest in Burbank starts with booking at the Burbank Police Department or the facility where you’re taken. This process typically takes several hours and includes several standard procedures.
Officers will photograph you, take your fingerprints, and collect personal information. They’ll also conduct a thorough search and inventory of your personal belongings. You’ll be asked basic questions about your identity, address, and emergency contacts.
During booking, police may attempt to question you about the alleged crime. This is where having legal representation becomes essential. We tell all our clients to politely decline questioning and request an attorney immediately.
The booking process also includes a medical screening and classification review. Officers determine if you’ll be held in a local facility or transferred to a county jail based on the charges and your background.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Understanding Your Rights During Detention
You have specific rights that remain in effect from the moment of arrest through the entire criminal court process in Los Angeles County. These rights don’t disappear just because you’re in custody.
Your right to remain silent protects you from self-incrimination. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so we always advise clients to exercise this right until we can be present.
You have the right to an attorney, and if you cannot afford one, the court will appoint a public defender. However, having experienced private counsel familiar with LA County procedures often makes a significant difference in outcomes.
You also have the right to make phone calls, though these calls may be monitored except for conversations with your attorney. We maintain 24/7 availability specifically because these early hours after arrest are so important.
The Arraignment: Your First Court Appearance
Your first court appearance, called an arraignment, typically happens within 48 hours if you’re in custody, or within a few weeks if you’re released. This takes place either at the Burbank Courthouse or another LA County Superior Court facility.
During the arraignment, the judge will read the charges against you and ask how you plead. The three options are guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In most cases, we advise clients to enter a not guilty plea to preserve all legal options.
The court will also address bail during this hearing. Bail amounts depend on the severity of charges, your criminal history, and whether you’re considered a flight risk or danger to the community.
Here’s what typically happens during an arraignment:
- The judge reads the formal charges
- You enter your plea
- The court sets or reviews bail
- Future court dates are scheduled
- The judge may issue protective orders if applicable
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Bail Hearings and Release Options
Getting released from custody quickly is usually our first priority. The criminal court process in Los Angeles County offers several release options depending on your situation and the charges you face.
Cash bail requires paying the full amount set by the court. If you appear for all court dates, this money gets returned regardless of the case outcome. Most people cannot afford to pay large cash bail amounts upfront.
Bail bonds are more common, where you pay a bondsman typically 10% of the total bail amount. The bondsman then guarantees your appearance in court. This fee is non-refundable even if charges are later dropped.
Some defendants qualify for release on their own recognizance, meaning they promise to appear in court without posting bail. This option is more likely for minor charges and defendants with strong community ties.
| Release Type | Cost | When Available | Requirements |
| Cash Bail | Full bail amount | Any time | Full payment to court |
| Bail Bond | 10% of bail amount | Most cases | Bondsman approval |
| Own Recognizance | No cost | Minor charges, low flight risk | Promise to appear |
| Supervised Release | Minimal fees | Some cases | Check-ins, conditions |
We work aggressively to get our clients released as quickly as possible. Being out of custody makes it much easier to prepare your defense and maintain your job and family responsibilities.
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Pre-Trial Motions and Legal Strategy
Once you’re released or while your case proceeds, we begin building your defense strategy. The pre-trial phase of what happens after arrest in Burbank, often determines the entire outcome of your case.
Pre-trial motions allow us to challenge evidence, request dismissals, or limit what prosecutors can present at trial. Common motions include suppressing illegally obtained evidence, dismissing charges for lack of probable cause, or challenging the validity of search warrants.
We file motions to suppress evidence when police violate your constitutional rights during the arrest or investigation. If successful, this can eliminate the prosecution’s key evidence and lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
Discovery motions require prosecutors to share their evidence with the defense. We carefully review police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and any video footage to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Our team has tried over 100 jury trials, so we know how to spot issues that less experienced attorneys might miss. This trial experience helps us evaluate which pre-trial motions have the best chance of success in LA County courts.
Plea Negotiations and Alternative Resolutions
Most criminal law cases in Los Angeles County resolve through plea negotiations rather than going to trial. These discussions happen throughout the pre-trial phase and require careful consideration of all factors.
Prosecutors may offer reduced charges, lighter sentences, or alternative programs like diversion or community service. We evaluate each offer against the strength of its evidence and the potential outcomes if we go to trial.
Plea bargains aren’t always the best option. Sometimes prosecutors overcharge cases or lack sufficient evidence for a conviction. Our extensive trial experience helps us advise clients when rejecting a plea offer and demanding a trial serves their interests better.
Here are common alternative resolutions available in LA County:
- Diversion Programs: Complete counseling or community service for dismissal
- Deferred Entry of Judgment: Delayed sentencing pending completion of requirements
- Reduced Charges: Pleading to lesser offenses with lighter penalties
- Suspended Sentences: Avoiding jail time through probation compliance
The decision to accept a plea offer or go to trial requires careful analysis of your specific situation. We explain all options clearly so you can make informed decisions about your future.
The Trial Process in Los Angeles County Courts
When cases go to trial, the criminal court process in Los Angeles County follows established procedures designed to ensure fair proceedings. Our trial experience gives clients significant advantages during this phase.
Jury selection comes first, where attorneys question potential jurors to identify bias or conflicts. We use this process strategically to seat jurors who can fairly consider your defense.
Opening statements allow both sides to preview their cases for the jury. We craft compelling narratives that highlight reasonable doubt and challenge the prosecution’s theory of events.
| Trial Phase | Purpose | Duration | Key Activities |
| Jury Selection | Choose impartial jurors | 1-3 days | Question potential jurors |
| Opening Statements | Preview case themes | Few hours | Outline arguments |
| Prosecution Case | Present evidence against defendant | Days to weeks | Witnesses, evidence |
| Defense Case | Challenge prosecution, present defenses | Varies | Counter-evidence, witnesses |
| Closing Arguments | Summarize evidence, argue for verdict | Few hours | Final persuasion |
| Jury Deliberation | Reach unanimous verdict | Hours to days | Private jury discussions |
The prosecution presents its case first, calling witnesses and introducing evidence. We cross-examine their witnesses to expose inconsistencies, bias, or reasonable doubt.
During our defense case, we may call witnesses, present alternative theories, or focus entirely on challenging prosecution evidence. The decision depends on the strength of their case and our defensive strategy.
Sentencing and Post-Conviction Options
If a case results in a conviction, either through plea or trial, sentencing represents the next phase of what happens after arrest in Burbank. Understanding sentencing guidelines and options helps clients prepare for this process.
Judges consider many factors when imposing sentences, including the severity of charges, criminal history, victim impact, and mitigating circumstances. We prepare detailed sentencing memoranda highlighting factors that support lighter punishment.
California uses determinate sentencing for most felonies, meaning specific sentence ranges apply to each offense. However, judges retain discretion within those ranges and can consider alternative sentences like probation or house arrest.
The following factors influence sentencing decisions:
- Prior criminal history
- Severity and circumstances of current charges
- Victim impact statements
- Defendant’s background and character
- Acceptance of responsibility
- Potential for rehabilitation
Post-conviction options may include appeals, sentence modifications, or early termination of probation. We continue representing clients through these processes when appropriate grounds exist.
Appeals must be filed within specific time limits and require showing legal errors occurred during trial or sentencing. Our trial experience helps identify appealable issues that other attorneys might overlook.
Working with Simmrin Law Group Through Every Stage
Our approach to handling what happens after arrest in Burbank reflects decades of experience in Los Angeles County courts. We understand that each stage of the criminal process presents opportunities to protect your rights and improve outcomes.
From the moment you contact us, we begin working immediately to protect your interests. Our 24/7 availability ensures you get legal guidance when you need it most, not just during business hours.
We maintain close relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court staff throughout LA County. These professional relationships, built over years of practice, often benefit our clients during negotiations and court proceedings.
Our team approach means multiple experienced attorneys review your case and contribute to your defense strategy. This collaborative method helps us spot issues and opportunities that single practitioners might miss.
Communication remains a top priority throughout your case. We explain each development in plain English and ensure you understand your options before making any decisions that affect your future.
Ready to Protect Your Rights? Contact Simmrin Law Group Today
Facing criminal charges after an arrest in Burbank doesn’t have to destroy your future. The sooner you get experienced legal representation, the better we can protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Every day that passes without proper representation can hurt your case. We’re standing by 24/7 to start protecting your rights immediately.
Contact our experienced criminal defense team today for a consultation about your case. We’ll explain exactly what to expect and how we can help you through every stage of the process. Get help now and let us put our extensive trial experience to work for you.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
