If you’ve been arrested or cited for a crime in Santa Rosa or elsewhere in Sonoma County, your first court appearance will almost always be a criminal arraignment at the Sonoma County Hall of Justice.
For many people, this is their first time inside a criminal courtroom — and the uncertainty alone can be overwhelming. This guide explains what an arraignment is, when it happens, and how to navigate your first day in court without costly mistakes.
What Is a Criminal Arraignment (and When Does It Happen)?
An arraignment is the formal beginning of your criminal case. It is not a trial. No witnesses testify, and no evidence is argued. Instead, three key things happen:
- The charges filed by the District Attorney are formally read
- Your constitutional rights are explained
- You enter an initial plea
The 48-Hour Rule (If You’re in Custody)
If you were arrested and remain in custody, California law (Penal Code § 825) generally requires that you be arraigned within 48 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and court holidays. This rule exists to prevent people from being held indefinitely without court oversight.
If you were cited and released, your arraignment date will usually be listed on your citation paperwork.
Finding Your Courtroom: The Room 105J Strategy (Local Insider Tip)
Arriving at the Hall of Justice is only the first step. Unlike a doctor’s office, there is no central receptionist to check you in. In Sonoma County criminal court, the check-in process is self-service, and it happens at Room 105J.
Step 1: Head to the Criminal Division
After clearing security at the main entrance, stay on the first floor and locate the Criminal Division — Room 105J. This is the administrative hub for all felony and misdemeanor cases in Santa Rosa.
Step 2: Check the Window Calendars (Do This First)
This is a critical local pro-tip.
Every morning, court staff tape the daily Criminal Calendars to the outside windows of Room 105J.
- Do not wait in the long clerk’s line just to ask where to go
- Walk straight to the windows
- Find your name on the printed lists
- Look for your assigned Department number (for example, Dept. 1, Dept. 3, etc.)
Step 3: Know Your Call Time
- Felony Arraignments: typically called at 8:30 AM
- Misdemeanor Arraignments: usually begin at 9:30 AM
Clearing a Warrant:
If you are appearing to clear an active bench warrant, you must be at the Room 105J window at exactly 8:00 AM to request a same-day “add-on” appearance.
Why This Matters for Your Defense
The Hall of Justice moves fast. If your name is called in Department 2 while you are still scanning calendars outside Room 105J, you risk a Failure to Appear (FTA) — even if you are physically inside the building.
Having a local attorney who already knows these procedures ensures you are:
- In the right courtroom
- At the right time
- In front of the right judge
That alone can prevent unnecessary warrants and complications.
The Three Key Parts of a Sonoma County Arraignment
1. The Charges
The judge (or courtroom clerk) will read the exact charges the District Attorney has filed. This is your first official notice of what the prosecution claims you did.
2. Your Constitutional Rights
The judge will confirm that you understand:
- Your right to an attorney
- Your right to remain silent
- Your right to a trial
3. Entering a Plea
You will be asked to enter one of three pleas:
- Guilty
- Not Guilty
- No Contest (Nolo Contendere)
Important: Most criminal defense attorneys advise entering a Not Guilty plea at arraignment. This preserves your rights and allows time to review the prosecution’s evidence (known as discovery).
The Bail Discussion: Where the Defense Begins
After the plea, the judge will address custody status. The court may decide to:
- Keep bail as set
- Reduce bail
- Release you on Own Recognizance (OR)
This is where having a local Santa Rosa criminal defense attorney matters. An attorney can argue for reduced bail or OR release by highlighting:
- Community ties in Sonoma County
- Employment history
- Family responsibilities
- Lack of prior failures to appear
Future Court Dates and the “Time Waiver”
At arraignment, the court will set future dates, which may include:
- A settlement or pretrial conference
- A preliminary hearing (for felony cases)
You may be asked whether you want to “waive time”. This is a strategic decision that affects statutory deadlines and case pacing. It should never be made casually or without legal advice.
Pro-Tips for the Hall of Justice
- Children: Bailiffs often ask parents to step out if children are disruptive
- Cell Phones: Phones must be off — not on vibrate
- Arrival Time: Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early to clear security and find your department
Final Thought: The Value of Representation at Arraignment
An arraignment may feel procedural, but critical decisions are made immediately — decisions that affect bail, timelines, and leverage in your case.
Showing up with a lawyer before arraignment gives you far more control than waiting for the court to appoint one later.
Don’t face the judge alone.
Contact Conway Law Practice to represent you at your Sonoma County arraignment.