A criminal action is the proceeding by which a person charged with a public offense is accused and brought to justice and punishment. A criminal action is prosecuted in the name of the people of the State of California, as a party, against the person charged with the offense.
A misdemeanor case is a criminal action in which the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor and it may include an infraction charge. It does not include any felony violations. The maximum punishment for misdemeanor violations is not more than 6 months, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
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Advisement of Rights Video
Additional Information Regarding Misdemeanor Arraignment
Viewing this video may speed up the process when you go to court.
If you choose not to view the video or if you have questions about your rights,
you may ask the court for clarification.
The arraignment is the first court appearance.
A Judicial Officer informs the defendant/attorney of the following:
A copy of the accusatory pleading is provided to the defendant/attorney. The defendant/attorney will enter a plea of:
If the defendant does not appear in court as required, the court can order any, or all of the following actions:
Misdemeanors, felonies, and warrants all require a mandatory court appearance. Extensions will not be granted. You must appear at the Court on the date and time as directed on your release paper or arraignment letter.
WARNING: Failure to appear may result in a warrant for your arrest.
On your court date, check the posted court calendar for your name and the assigned courtroom. If your name is on a calendar, go directly to that courtroom. If not, report to the Criminal Clerk’s Office. Be prepared to provide identification and information on the arrest or alleged offense, including jail release paperwork, notice to appear, bail or bond receipts, or arraignment letter.
If you are currently on probation and need to appear in court you may do so at the court where you appeared for sentencing.
For courtroom appearances, the following rules are enforced:
All persons incustody may be held for forty-eight hours not including weekends and court holidays. Incustody hearings are heard in:
To appear on a warrant you must report to the Criminal Division which ordered the warrant by 7:30 a.m. All warrants require a mandatory appearance.
For Criminal locations see information above in blue shaded box.
Refunds on cash bail are processed automatically upon court order. It takes approximately 6 - 8 weeks from the date of the court order to receive your refund.
The Riverside Superior Court will mail the refund check payable to the depositor named on the bail receipt.
Fines are due on the date set by the court. For your convenience, payments may be made by mail, in person, by phone at 951.222.0384, or via the internet through Epay-It.
If you are paying the fine balance in full, or have already established a payment installment plan, you may make payments through Epay-It using a credit card. If you would like to establish a payment plan, please contact Enhanced Collections at 1.877.955.3463.
The court accepts:
Payments can be mailed to:
Payment Processing Center
505 S. Buena Vista #201
Corona, Ca. 92882
At the arraignment, if the defendant wants to be represented by an attorney, but cannot afford one, a request may be made for a court appointed attorney. If the court determines the defendant meets the qualifications, an attorney will be appointed.
When the court appoints a public defender (external site ), or other counsel, a determination may be made of the defendant's ability to pay fees for services. If the court determines the defendant has the ability to pay, an order will be made to pay all or part of the costs. Such an order has the same force and effect as a civil judgment.
An expungement allows you to reopen your criminal case, set aside the conviction and dismiss the case. As a result, your criminal record will no longer show the conviction. However the expungement will continue to appear on your record. It is important to note that the expungement does not clear from your record the fact that you were arrested or that charges were filed.