Arrested or charged in Corona?
What you do in the first days after an arrest shapes the whole case. Say you want a lawyer, say nothing else, and get counsel before arraignment. Attorney Vincent W. Davis has been a California trial lawyer for nearly 40 years and defends clients in Riverside County criminal court.
- Nearly 40 years as a California trial attorney
- Misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, and diversion
- Serving Corona and all of Riverside County
- Confidential consultation
What to do right now
Stop talking
Say "I want a lawyer" and nothing else. Not to police, not to cellmates, not on the jail phone, not on social media. Silence cannot be used against you; explanations can.
Don't consent to searches
Police need a warrant, probable cause, or your consent. Politely decline consent. If they search anyway, your attorney can challenge it later; if you consented, you can't.
Get counsel before arraignment
The first hearing sets bail, release conditions, and the tone of the case. Show up with a prepared attorney who already has your side of the story.
Read how a Riverside County criminal case works, step by step →
Where Corona criminal cases are heard
Criminal cases arising in Corona are prosecuted by the Riverside County District Attorney (or the city attorney for some misdemeanors) and heard in Riverside County Superior Court, most often at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Arraignment, bail, pretrial motions, and trial all happen there.
We know these courtrooms, the prosecutors who handle the calendars, and the judges' tendencies on bail, diversion, and sentencing. That's what lets us tell you what to expect before you walk in.
Riverside, CA 92501
Criminal departments: Monday–Friday
Southwest county cases are heard at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta and desert cases at the Larson Justice Center in Indio or Banning Justice Center.
Full court guide: parking, what to bring, how the day runs →
Serving Corona and nearby communities in Riverside County
Our main office is in Arcadia, and we appear in Riverside County criminal courts for clients throughout the county, including:
- Riverside
- Moreno Valley
- Murrieta
- Temecula
- Jurupa Valley
- Menifee
- Hemet
- Perris
- Indio
- Lake Elsinore
- Palm Springs
- Palm Desert
Questions Corona clients ask after an arrest
What should I do if I've been arrested or contacted by police?
Say clearly that you want a lawyer and that you are not answering questions, then stop talking. Be polite, don't resist, don't consent to searches, and don't try to explain your side. Anything you say will be used to build the case. Call an attorney before your first court date.
How soon is the first court date after an arrest?
If you are held in custody, California law requires arraignment within 48 hours of arrest, not counting weekends and court holidays (Penal Code Section 825). If you were cited and released, your citation lists the arraignment date, often several weeks out.
What happens at arraignment?
The charges are read, you enter a plea (almost always not guilty at this stage), and the judge addresses bail or release conditions. It is also when your attorney begins receiving the police reports and evidence. Having counsel there matters.
Can I get out of jail before trial?
Usually. The court sets bail or releases you on your own recognizance, and after the California Supreme Court's Humphrey decision the judge must consider your ability to pay. Your attorney can argue for release or reduced bail at arraignment.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail; a felony can carry state prison. Many charges are "wobblers" that can be filed either way, and getting a felony reduced to a misdemeanor is often the most important early goal.
Can my case be dismissed through diversion?
Sometimes. California offers mental health diversion, drug diversion, military diversion, and judicial diversion for many misdemeanors. Complete the program and the case is dismissed with no conviction. Eligibility depends on the charge and your history.
Will a conviction stay on my record forever?
Not necessarily. Penal Code Section 1203.4 allows many convictions to be dismissed after probation, and newer laws automatically clear some records over time. Reducing or avoiding a conviction now is far easier than cleaning it up later.
Should I take the first plea offer?
Not before your attorney has reviewed the evidence. Early offers are made before the prosecution has to prove anything. Many cases have suppression issues, weak witnesses, or missing evidence that change the offer or end the case.
What clients say
★★★★★"Mr. Davis is like a magic man in court. His almost 40 years experience really comes across with the judge."
Frances S., Yelp review
★★★★★"From day one, he and the team were professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to protecting my rights."
Stacia, Avvo review
★★★★★"He was worth every dollar. Don't wait, make the call."
Alena G., Google review
About Attorney Vincent W. Davis
Vincent W. Davis has been a California trial attorney for nearly 40 years and is admitted to the State Bar of California (No. 125399). The Law Offices of Vincent W. Davis & Associates is based at 440 E. Huntington Drive in Arcadia and represents clients in criminal courts throughout the state. This page is part of the firm's statewide network of local resources; the full practice, attorney profiles, client reviews, and case results are on the main site at vincentwdavis.com. More about Vincent →
Talk to a criminal defense lawyer before your arraignment
The consultation is confidential. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you what your options are.
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