San Diego Criminal Case Lawyer
What to Expect in a Criminal Case in San Diego
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in San Diego County, one of the biggest sources of stress is simply not knowing what happens next. The legal process is intimidating, confusing, and full of deadlines and decisions that can impact your future in a big way. At Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, we walk our clients through every step of a criminal case—from the first phone call to the final resolution—so they always know what’s going on, what their rights are, and what their options look like.
Anthony is a former Public Defender who now fights for people facing charges in courthouses throughout San Diego County, including downtown San Diego, Juvenile Court, El Cajon, Chula Vista, and Vista. He knows how the system works from the inside, and he uses that knowledge to put his clients in the strongest possible position at every stage.
Here’s what you can typically expect in a California criminal case, reach out to our San Diego criminal case lawyer for more information or immediate assistance.
The Arrest or Notice to Appear
A case begins either with an arrest or with a citation and a notice to appear in court. If you’re arrested, you may be booked into jail and required to post bail or go before a judge to set conditions for release. In other cases—especially for misdemeanors—you might simply receive a citation and a court date.
No matter how the process starts, it’s a mistake to assume the case is minor or will go away on its own. You need to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible, even if charges haven’t been officially filed yet. Early intervention can make a huge difference.
The Arraignment
Your first court appearance is called the arraignment. This is where the judge tells you what charges have been filed against you and asks how you want to plead. You’ll also be advised of your rights and, in some cases, bail will be reviewed.
If you’ve hired an attorney ahead of time, they can often appear on your behalf—especially for misdemeanor charges—so you don’t have to miss work or face the stress of going to court alone. At this stage, most people plead Not Guilty so their lawyer has time to review the case and prepare a defense.
Pretrial Proceedings
Once the arraignment is out of the way, the case moves into the pretrial phase. This is where a lot of the work happens behind the scenes: reviewing the evidence (called “discovery”), filing motions, negotiating with the prosecutor, and identifying weaknesses in the case.
Depending on the facts and the charges, your lawyer might:
- File a motion to suppress evidence that was illegally obtained
- Push to get the charges reduced or dismissed
- Explore diversion or alternative sentencing programs
- Negotiate a plea agreement if it’s in your best interest
- Prepare the case for trial if that’s the right strategy
In felony cases, there may also be a preliminary hearing, where the prosecution has to show there’s enough evidence to go forward. This is a critical opportunity for your defense lawyer to poke holes in the case early on.
Trial (If It Gets That Far)
Most criminal cases don’t go to trial—but if yours does, you have the right to a jury of your peers. At trial, the prosecution presents its evidence, and your defense attorney has the chance to cross-examine witnesses, present your side of the story, and challenge the prosecution’s case.
Anthony Z. Vargas is a seasoned trial lawyer who won’t back down if a trial is the best path forward. He prepares thoroughly, presents compelling arguments, and knows how to connect with jurors.
Sentencing
If you plead guilty, are found guilty, or accept a plea deal, the case proceeds to sentencing. Depending on the charge, your criminal record, and other factors, the court might impose jail time, probation, fines, counseling, community service, or other penalties.
A good defense lawyer can often reduce the severity of the sentence, advocate for alternatives to jail, and make sure the judge hears the whole story—not just what’s in the police report.
Life After the Case
Even after your case is over, a conviction can follow you. But it’s not the end of the road. You may be eligible for:
- Expungement, which clears your record in many situations
- Reduction of charges, especially for certain felonies that can be lowered to misdemeanors
- Termination of probation early, if you’ve completed all requirements
Anthony works with clients to clean up their records and move forward with their lives.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Facing a criminal case is overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. At the Law Office of Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., we take the time to explain every step, protect your rights, and fight hard for the best possible outcome. Wherever your case is in San Diego County, Anthony brings local experience, a sharp legal mind, and a commitment to your defense.
Call today to review your situation, and let’s talk about what’s next—and how we can take control of it together.