One Thing I’ve Learned After Hundreds of Court Appearances
I’ve probably spent more mornings inside the West Justice Center than I can count. One thing I’ve learned is that first-time clients almost always worry about the wrong things. They think they’ll spend the entire morning standing in front of the judge. In reality, you’ll spend most of your time waiting.
Once your case is finally called, the hearing itself often lasts only a few minutes. The key is being patient, paying attention, and making sure you don’t miss your name being called.
What NOT to Bring
Security at the West Justice Center is similar to airport security.
Items such as pocket knives, pepper spray, tools, and obviously any weapons are prohibited.
One thing people often forget about is lighters. If you accidentally bring one, security will usually ask you to take it back outside before entering the courthouse.
It’s a small mistake, but it can slow your morning down considerably.
What Time Should I Arrive?
Although your paperwork may tell you to appear at 8:00 a.m., most courtrooms begin calling calendars around 8:30 a.m.
If you don’t have an attorney, I recommend arriving early. You’ll need time to find parking, go through security, locate your courtroom, and figure out where your case is being heard.
Even after court begins, don’t expect your case to be called immediately. Many calendars don’t really get moving until around 9:00 a.m., and depending on the judge and the number of cases scheduled, your matter may not be heard until much later in the morning.
How Long Will I Be There?
This is one of the questions I get asked the most.
For most misdemeanor cases—including DUI, shoplifting, petty theft, and simple assault—you should realistically plan on spending the entire morning at court. I usually tell clients to expect to be there until about 11:00 or 11:30.
If you’re appearing for a preliminary hearing or another contested matter, expect to stay longer. Jury trials often last multiple days.
It’s always better to clear your schedule than assume you’ll be finished quickly.
Step-by-Step Through Your First Court Appearance
For most people, the morning follows the same general sequence:
Park your car.
↓
Go through courthouse security.
↓
Check the TV monitors for your courtroom assignment.
After coming to court you will want to walk to the right of the metal detector to look at the television screen to make sure your case is on calendar. If no charges are filed on your arraignment on your court date then you will need to go the Orange County District Attorney Office to pick up a proof of appearance.
↓
If your case isn’t listed, visit the clerk’s office and the District Attorney’s Office to determine whether your case has been filed.
↓
Find your courtroom and wait for your case to be called.
↓
Meet with your attorney or the Public Defender if you don’t have private counsel.
↓
Appear before the judge.
↓
Receive your next court date or resolve the case.
What Happens While You’re Waiting?
Court is a lot different than what most people see on television.
You’ll spend most of your morning waiting in the hallway while attorneys negotiate cases with prosecutors.
You’ll see deputies directing people, attorneys walking in and out of courtrooms carrying files, prosecutors reviewing police reports, and clients nervously waiting for their names to be called.
This waiting is completely normal.
What Happens When Your Name Is Called?
When your name is called, walk up to the podium and listen carefully to the judge.
Take your hat off, keep your hands out of your pockets, and let the judge finish speaking before answering.
If you don’t have an attorney, the judge will usually explain your options. If you want time to hire an attorney, you can generally request another court date before entering a plea.
10 Things I Wish Every Client Knew Before Walking Into West Justice Center
• Bring a sweater—the courtrooms can get cold.
• Eat breakfast before arriving. There is no cafeteria inside the courthouse.
• Charge your phone before leaving home.
• Bring your citation.
• Don’t assume your case will be called first.
• Keep all of your paperwork.
• Watch the TV monitors carefully.
• Don’t leave until someone tells you that you’re free to go.
• Give yourself plenty of time for parking and security.
• If you’re unsure about anything, ask your attorney or the courtroom clerk.
Common Mistakes I See Every Week
After years of practicing at West Justice Center, I see many of the same mistakes repeated over and over again.
People arrive late.
People forget their citation.
People assume their case has been dismissed because it isn’t on the calendar.
People leave after checking the monitor without speaking to the clerk.
People miss updated court dates because they weren’t paying attention.
Many of these mistakes are completely avoidable.
One Small Thing That Confuses People Every Week
One thing I’ve noticed is that people often can’t find their names on the TV monitors.
This happens frequently with Hispanic surnames. For example, someone named Gonzalez Martinez may only be looking under “Martinez” when the court has listed the case under “Gonzalez.”
I’ve seen people mistakenly believe they aren’t on calendar, leave the courthouse, and later discover that a warrant was issued because they missed their hearing.
Take your time and look carefully.
Where Should I Park?
Personally, I usually recommend parking in the large public lot on 13th Street. There is also free street parking along 17th Street, Jackson Street, and portions of 16th Street.
Keep in mind that some street parking is restricted on the first and third Monday of each month because of street sweeping, so always check the posted signs before leaving your vehicle.
The large parking structure north of the courthouse is paid parking and accepts credit cards.
What Should I Wear?
You don’t need to wear a suit.
Business casual is perfectly appropriate, although clean jeans and a plain shirt are generally fine as well.
Just avoid anything offensive, including clothing promoting alcohol, drugs, or profanity.
If you’re wearing a hat, remove it before entering the courtroom.
What Clients Worry About… That Almost Never Happens
Many first-time clients are terrified they’ll receive the maximum punishment on the very first court date.
In reality, that’s extremely uncommon.
The first appearance is usually about getting the case started, discussing the evidence, setting future dates, and beginning negotiations
What Clients DON’T Worry About… But Should
Ironically, the biggest danger usually isn’t what happens inside the courtroom.
It’s missing deadlines.
I’ve seen people receive excellent plea offers only to lose those opportunities because they failed to appear, ignored court paperwork, or forgot about a new court date.
Staying organized is often just as important as having a strong legal defense.
If Your Case Hasn’t Been Filed Yet
Sometimes your case won’t be filed by your first court date. If that happens, don’t assume it’s over. Check in with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office before leaving, watch your mailbox carefully for a future court date, and continue checking the court’s website. I have a separate article that explains what happens when no charges are filed at arraignment.
Your First Court Appearance and Bail
Initial criminal appearances are commonly assigned to Departments W3 or W12 depending on the type of case. Court assignments occasionally change, so always check the television monitors when you arrive.
If you have an Arraignment for a 1st DUI or Shoplifting case at this location, then your case will most likely be inside department W4. After your arraignment, your case will go into W6 for what they call a pretrial.
If Bail is Needed on Your Westminster Courthouse Case
Bail will need to be considered if you have a felony case, 2nd, 3rd DUI, or a domestic violence case in the West Justice Center.
Bail usually becomes an issue in felony cases, probation violations, repeat DUI cases, and some domestic violence cases. If bail is requested, your attorney may be able to argue for release on your own recognizance or request a lower bail amount depending on the circumstances.
Ensure you’re fully aware of your legal rights. Schedule a consultation with us today.
Helpful Offices
Collections are on the right side of the building after you pass the metal detectors. Collections are where you can pay your fines. They will accept cash, check, or credit cards. This is also where you can work out a payment plan for your case as well. These agencies can also be contacted by using the numbers below.
Many times the clerks can grant the first extension without you having to see a judicial officer.
What Surprises Most First-Time Clients
Most people expect court to look like it does on television. In reality, there is a lot more waiting than talking. Attorneys spend much of the morning negotiating cases with prosecutors while deputies organize the courtroom calendar. When your case is finally called, the hearing itself is often surprisingly short.
Another surprise is how many people accidentally create problems for themselves simply by leaving too early. I’ve seen people assume their case wasn’t on calendar, leave the courthouse, and later learn that a warrant had been issued because they missed their hearing. If you’re ever unsure, ask the courtroom clerk or your attorney before leaving.
