Santa Ana, CA asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for California

Q: if an in custody inmate had an arraignment for dv charges and was told the da has not yet filed charges

must he be released within 48 hours of the arrest if files are not charged before then? also as a victim who was given no say and wants the charges completely dropped is it a good idea to contact the da while it’s pending to communicate my stance and or demand answers for the pending status?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, if an individual is arrested and detained, the district attorney generally has 48 hours to file charges. If charges are not filed within this period, the individual must usually be released. However, this timeline can vary depending on weekends and holidays. It's important to remember that each case is unique and the specific circumstances can affect the timeline.

As a victim, your perspective is valuable in the legal process. You have the right to express your views to the district attorney's office. Communicating your desire to have the charges dropped can influence their decision, but the final decision to prosecute lies with the district attorney. They consider various factors, including the evidence and public safety.

If you wish to express your stance or inquire about the status of the case, it's advisable to contact the district attorney's office. They can provide information about the case and explain the legal options available to you. Remember, legal proceedings can be complex, and consulting with a legal professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation is always beneficial.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.