We are not attorneys and do not offer legal advice - contact an attorney if you need professional legal advice.
Presentencing in Orange County
Whether you committed a crime or not you may find yourself facing the presentencing process in Orange County, California - what do you do next?
Hire an attorney if you can
According to several former inmates at the Orange County Jail if you have any way of hiring an attorney it will greatly increase your chance of avoiding jail or doing significantly. Also, if you are immediately picked up for your charges you should try to bail out if at all possible - people who bail out have the opportunity to see the judge in their normal clothes in a regular courtroom. Inmates who do not bail out see the judge between bars in a bright orange jumpsuit - probably not the best way to approach a judge if you hope to be found innocent but you should talk to your attorney to see what your attorney recommends.
While public defenders are there to help you they don't necessarily have the time to ensure your case deserves as much attention as you will hope will be paid - remember that public defenders handle hundreds of cases per week and will give you a limited amount of time.
Some people experience sticker shock when they talk to a reputable attorney because such attorneys may charge anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 and even more depending on your crime. Consider, though, the cost of serving several months in jail. Even if you make only $10 an hour in your job an attorney who can save you six months in jail is worth $10,000 without even considering the stress of going to jail and how difficult it is to find a job when you get out.
Be patient
Many people want to just reach an agreement with the prosecutor and start doing their time as soon as possible. As a result they may take the first offer they get to plead guilty - according to several inmates patience can pay off in the Orange County legal system - talk to your attorney to see what they recommend.
Remember that the Orange County legal system is very crowded - at any given time thousands of people are at various stages in the legal process. If your attorney feels good about waiting a little time remember that they are just looking out for your best interest.
A good attorney can give you guidance on what you should do during the presentencing process in Orange County California.
Learn about sentencing in Orange County
