What Happens After You're Arrested in Shasta County? A Step-by-Step Guide

Being arrested is frightening. For most people, it is their first experience with the criminal justice system, and they have no idea what comes next.

Questions immediately begin racing through their minds.

"Am I going to jail?"

"When will I see a judge?"

"Will I have a criminal record forever?"

"Should I talk to the police?"

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Shasta County, understanding the criminal court process can help reduce uncertainty and allow you to make informed decisions. Although every case is different, most criminal cases follow the same general path.

Step 1: The Arrest

A criminal case usually begins when someone is arrested by a law enforcement agency such as the Shasta County Sheriff's Office, the Redding Police Department, the Anderson Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, or another agency.

An arrest does not mean you have been convicted of a crime.

It means law enforcement believes there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed.

At this point, one of the most important things you can do is remain silent and request an attorney.

Many cases become more difficult because people try to explain themselves before speaking with a lawyer.

Step 2: Booking into Jail

After an arrest, many individuals are transported to the Shasta County Jail for booking.

During booking, officers generally:

• Record personal information.
• Take fingerprints and photographs.
• Inventory personal property.
• Complete booking paperwork.
• Determine whether the person will remain in custody or be eligible for release.

Depending on the circumstances, some people are released shortly after booking, while others remain in custody until they appear before a judge.

Step 3: The Prosecutor Reviews the Case

Contrary to what many people believe, an arrest does not automatically mean criminal charges will be filed.

The District Attorney reviews the available evidence and decides whether criminal charges should be filed and, if so, what charges are appropriate.

Sometimes charges are reduced.

Sometimes additional investigation is requested.

Sometimes no charges are filed at all.

This is one reason why obtaining legal representation early can be extremely important.

Step 4: The Arraignment

The arraignment is usually the defendant's first court appearance.

At the arraignment, the court generally:

• Advises the defendant of the charges.
• Advises the defendant of their constitutional rights.
• Addresses custody status or bail.
• Sets future court dates.

Many people believe they need to explain their side of the story to the judge at arraignment.

They do not.

The arraignment is primarily a procedural hearing.

Step 5: Discovery

After charges are filed, the prosecution must provide the defense with discovery.

Discovery may include:

• Police reports
• Body camera footage
• Dash camera videos
• Witness statements
• Photographs
• Laboratory reports
• Medical records
• 911 recordings
• Expert reports

An experienced defense attorney carefully reviews this evidence to identify inconsistencies, constitutional issues, missing evidence, and potential defenses.

Step 6: Investigation by the Defense

While the prosecution is building its case, the defense should be building its own.

This may include:

• Interviewing witnesses.
• Obtaining surveillance footage.
• Gathering photographs.
• Consulting experts.
• Visiting the scene.
• Reviewing digital evidence.
• Researching legal issues.

Many of the strongest defenses come from evidence the police never collected.

Step 7: Pretrial Hearings

Most criminal cases involve several court appearances before trial.

During these hearings, attorneys may:

• Exchange additional discovery.
• File legal motions.
• Negotiate possible resolutions.
• Address evidentiary issues.
• Schedule future proceedings.

Many cases are resolved during this stage.

Others continue toward trial.

Step 8: The Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)

In most felony cases, the defendant has the right to a preliminary hearing.

At this hearing, the prosecution must present enough evidence to establish probable cause that:

• A crime was committed; and
• The defendant committed it.

The preliminary hearing also provides the defense with an important opportunity to cross-examine witnesses under oath, preserve testimony, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution's case.

Step 9: Trial

If the case cannot be resolved, it proceeds to trial.

At trial:

• The prosecution presents evidence first.
• The defense has the opportunity to cross-examine every witness.
• The defense may present evidence but is not required to do so.
• The defendant is presumed innocent throughout the trial.
• The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

That burden never shifts.

A defendant does not have to prove innocence.

Step 10: Sentencing (If Necessary)

If a defendant is convicted or enters a plea, the court schedules sentencing.

Depending on the offense, sentencing may include:

• Probation
• Jail
• Prison
• Fines
• Counseling
• Community service
• Other court-ordered conditions

The appropriate sentence depends on the charges, criminal history, applicable sentencing laws, and the specific facts of the case.

Every Case Is Different

No two criminal cases are exactly alike.

Some cases are dismissed shortly after filing.

Others resolve through negotiated agreements.

Some proceed through preliminary hearings and motions before ultimately being dismissed or reduced.

Others go all the way to trial.

The right strategy depends on the evidence, the applicable law, and the facts unique to each case.

Why Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Early Matters

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until weeks—or even months—after their arrest to hire an attorney.

By that point:

• Witnesses may have disappeared.
• Surveillance footage may have been deleted.
• Physical evidence may be lost.
• Important legal deadlines may have passed.

Early representation allows the defense to begin protecting your rights immediately rather than simply reacting to the prosecution's case.

Arrested in Shasta County? Know Your Rights.

An arrest is only the beginning of the legal process—not the end of it.

The prosecution still has the burden of proving every element of every charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you or someone you love has been arrested in Shasta County, understanding the process is the first step. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney guide you through that process can help protect your rights at every stage, from the initial investigation through trial if necessary.