The Stages In A Felony Case In California
Last updated on January 12, 2026
Felony charges move fast and can turn your life upside down. Our attorney at The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC will guide you through each step, explain what’s happening and build a strong defense. As a former prosecutor with deep roots in San Diego, attorney Mark Deniz knows how to challenge the system and protect your future.
Whether your case is in San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside or elsewhere in San Diego County, our attorney is ready to help.
Stage 1: Arraignment
The arraignment is your first court appearance after a felony arrest in California. When you attend your arraignment, expect the following:
- Appear in court
- Have our attorney enter a plea
- Have our attorney submit a discovery request to the prosecution
- Have readiness conference and preliminary hearing dates scheduled
- Have our lawyer request a bail review if needed
The court sets the timeline for your case. Our team will begin preparing your defense right away.
Stage 2: Bail Review
A bail review gives you a chance to lower bail or request release without bail. During the hearing, our San Diego felony attorney may file a motion to reduce bail and present documents or witnesses to support your release. If appropriate, we may ask the court for a release on your own recognizance (an “O.R. release”), which allows you to leave custody based on your promise to return. We also confirm or adjust future court dates to keep your case on track.
The judge may lower your bail, approve release or keep the original amount. Our lawyer will ensure that all scheduling details are updated and your defense continues without delay.
Stage 3: Readiness Conference
This is your first chance to settle the case before trial. At the first readiness conference, our attorney will focus on the following:
- Meeting with the prosecutor and judge
- Discussing the case and possible resolutions
- Filing motions to strengthen your defense
- Exploring plea deals or dismissal options
The case may settle, move forward or get dismissed. This stage helps shape your legal strategy.
Stage 4: Preliminary Hearing
The preliminary hearing is a court proceeding where the judge decides if the prosecution has enough evidence to move forward with felony charges. It’s not a trial, but it’s a critical step that can shape the rest of your case. The judge doesn’t decide guilt or innocence here – only whether the case should continue.
During the hearing, our attorney will work to challenge the prosecution’s case. We may focus on the following:
- Cross-examining witnesses
- Identifying weaknesses in the evidence
- Arguing for reduced or dismissed charges
The outcome depends on the strength of the prosecution’s case. If the evidence is weak, the judge may reduce the charges or dismiss them entirely. If the case moves forward, we will continue building your defense with a clearer understanding of what we’re up against.
Stage 5: Arraignment On Information
Arraignment on information is a second court appearance that happens after the preliminary hearing. At this stage, the district attorney files formal charges based on the evidence presented earlier. The court uses this hearing to confirm the charges and move the case toward trial.
During this arraignment, we typically do the following:
- Enter a plea based on the formal charges
- Begin negotiations with the district attorney
- File motions to protect your rights or challenge the case
- Set future court dates for motions and trial
The outcome of this stage is a formal trial schedule. If we reach a resolution with the prosecution, the case may settle. If not, we continue preparing for trial with a clear roadmap and strong defense strategy.
Stage 6: Final Readiness Conference
This is the last chance to settle before trial. Before the trial begins, our attorney will prepare by doing the following:
- Reviewing final plea offers: We will evaluate any remaining settlement options and advise you on the best course of action.
- Confirming trial and motion dates: Our team will ensure that all scheduling is accurate and aligned with court deadlines.
- Subpoenaing witnesses: We will issue subpoenas to secure the presence of key witnesses for trial and motions.
- Ensuring that all materials are ready for court: Our attorney will organize exhibits, finalize the strategy and confirm that everything is in place.
The outcome of this stage is either a resolution or a confirmed trial date. If no agreement is reached, your case will move forward to trial. Again, we will make sure everything is ready so you’re fully prepared.
Stage 7: Motions
Motions are legal requests that shape how the trial proceeds. This stage helps define the framework for the trial and gives us a stronger position in court. A well-argued motion can weaken the prosecution’s case or even lead to dismissal.
During the pretrial motion stage, our defense attorney may work to suppress evidence, seek dismissal of charges and limit what the prosecution can present in court. We will also finalize trial exhibits and sharpen our strategy to prepare for trial. The judge will review each motion and make rulings that affect the trial.
Stage 8: Jury Trial
The jury trial is the final stage in a felony case. Your case will be presented in full, and a group of jurors (or the judge, in some cases) will issue a verdict. This is the most public and high-stakes part of the process, and it requires thorough preparation.
During the trial, our San Diego felony lawyer will handle every step, including:
- Selecting a fair and impartial jury
- Delivering opening statements to outline your defense
- Cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses
- Filing an 1118 motion to dismiss one or more charges if the prosecution’s case lacks evidence
- Presenting your defense through witnesses and exhibits
- Delivering closing arguments to summarize your case
- Preparing for sentencing in case the jury returns a guilty verdict
In most cases, the outcome of the trial is a guilty or not guilty verdict. If the jury finds you not guilty, the case ends. If they find you guilty, we can continue advocating for you during sentencing and explore all post-trial options.
Let Our Team Help You Defend Your Case
A felony charge can threaten your freedom, your career and your future. The sooner our attorney gets involved, the more options you have. We don’t wait for court dates. We can start building your defense now. Call us at our San Diego office at 858-429-9982 for a free consultation or contact us online.