When you or a loved one faces criminal charges, one of the first questions is how long a criminal case takes to reach a resolution. In Orange County, California, the duration varies widely depending on the range of charges, case severity and other factors:
- Types of cases: minor infraction vs. misdemeanor vs. felony
- Complexity: the number of defendants, evidence, motions and legal issues
- Severity of the charges: cases involving harsher penalties generally take longer
- Whether the case goes to trial or is resolved beforehand
Typically, misdemeanor cases move the quickest — often a few months — while felony cases may take one or more years, especially if the defendant requests additional discovery time, files pre-trial motions or proceeds to trial.
Your rights if charged
Knowing your rights if charged in a criminal case can help determine how your case proceeds. Hiring a criminal defense attorney early helps protect these rights and define your legal goals, including:
- The right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment and California Penal Code Section 1382.
- Formal arraignment where charges are read, a plea is entered and bail is set.
- The right to hire a criminal defense attorney or request a public defender.
Your case timeline also depends on the type of charges:
| Case Type | Deadline After Arraignment |
| Misdemeanor (in custody) | 30 days |
| Misdemeanor (out of custody) | 45 days |
| Felony | 60 days |
In many cases, defendants waive their rights to allow additional time for filing motions, gathering evidence, and negotiating plea deals. This not only extends the case timeline but can also influence the eventual outcome of a case.
Getting to the verdict and sentencing stage
How long a criminal case can last in California — particularly in Orange County — also depends on the process from arrest to sentencing.
Criminal cases typically begin with an arrest, followed—usually within 48 hours—by an arraignment, unless delayed by proceedings related to release conditions. Followed by pre‑trial proceedings: motions to dismiss or suppress, discovery, and sometimes preliminary hearings in felony cases. This process can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case.
If a case goes to trial, the duration varies by charge. Misdemeanors usually finish in days. Felonies may last weeks or even months, depending on the evidence, witness schedules and legal intricacy.
Many cases do not go to trial due to plea bargaining or dismissal. This can streamline the timeline considerably. After a guilty verdict or plea, sentencing typically occurs within a few weeks, though additional reports (e.g. probation evaluations) can delay the hearing.
Are you facing criminal charges in Orange County? Call David A. Stein seasoned criminal defense attorney for a free consultation. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony, Stein Defense will help you explore your options before making critical decisions.
Contact David A. Stein today for a free case evaluation and start building a defense that protects your rights.
