Guide

What to Do After an Arrest in Los Angeles

An arrest, yours or a loved one’s, is disorienting. This guide walks through what generally happens next in Los Angeles County, what to avoid, and how to prepare so the first conversation with an attorney is as useful as possible.

General information, not legal advice. Laws and local procedures change; speak with an attorney about your situation.

What generally happens after an arrest

Booking. The person is taken to a station or jail, photographed, fingerprinted, and personal property is logged.
Release decision. Depending on the circumstances, a person may be released on a citation, released after bail is posted, or held until a court appearance.
Filing review. The arresting agency sends reports to a prosecutor, who decides whether to file charges.
First court date. If charges are filed, the arraignment is the first appearance before a judge.

If someone you love was arrested

Find out where they are held. Los Angeles County and city agencies maintain public inmate locator tools.
Note the booking number; it makes every call easier.
Remind them not to discuss the case on jail phones or video visits, which may be recorded.
Do not discuss the facts with them yourself; your conversations are generally not privileged.
Contact a criminal defense attorney, who can help with questions about release and the next court date.

A note on bail and release

Bail and release practices in California have changed in recent years and can depend on the charge, the person’s history and the court. Some people are released without posting money; others have bail set or conditions imposed.

Before paying a bail bond, it can be worth a short conversation with a defense attorney about whether release might be addressed at the first court appearance.

Bail bond premiums are generally not refundable. Understand the terms before you sign.

Mistakes to avoid

Talking about the case with anyone except your attorney
Posting about the arrest, the people involved or the investigation online
Contacting alleged victims or witnesses, even to apologize
Deleting messages, photos or accounts
Missing a court date or ignoring paperwork
Violating any release condition, however minor it seems

How to prepare for your consultation

Collect citation, release paperwork, bail receipt, property receipt and any court notice.
Write a private timeline of events while it is fresh.
List people who were present or may have information.
Note anything that matters beyond the case: employment, immigration, licenses, children.

Frequently asked questions

Will charges definitely be filed after an arrest?: Not necessarily. A prosecutor reviews the case and may file charges, request more investigation or decline to file. The timing varies.
Can I get my property back after release?: Personal property logged at booking is usually returned on release, though items held as evidence may be kept. Your property receipt describes what was taken.

Free, confidential consultation

Call 818-400-0293 or email Asya@Ovsepyan-Law.com. Office: 15303 Ventura Blvd., Suite 900, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.