Being arrested is one of the most stressful and disorienting experiences a person can face. Whether it’s your first encounter with the legal system or not, the hours immediately following an arrest can be chaotic, confusing, and emotionally overwhelming. Decisions made during this short window can have long-lasting effects on your case, your reputation, and your freedom.
At Perlman & Cohen, we believe that informed decisions and immediate action are key to minimizing the damage an arrest can cause. This article walks you through what typically happens during the first 24 hours after an arrest in Los Angeles and outlines how our criminal defense attorneys can intervene early to help protect your rights and your future.
After an arrest, the individual is typically taken to a local police station or jail for processing. This process is known as booking and includes fingerprinting, photographing (mugshots), and entering your personal and alleged offense details into the system. Depending on the charge and the jurisdiction, you may be held at a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) station, Los Angeles County jail, or another local facility.
The police will also run a background check and determine if there are any outstanding warrants. Once booked, you will either remain in custody or be considered for release through bail, bond, or recognizance.
How Perlman & Cohen Can Help:
If we are contacted early in the process, our legal team can communicate directly with the arresting agency to verify your status, monitor the booking timeline, and begin assessing your options for release. Our rapid response approach ensures your rights are protected from the very beginning.
Upon arrest, law enforcement officers are required to inform you of your Miranda rights. This includes your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. It’s imperative that you exercise these rights.
Anything you say—no matter how innocent it seems—can and will be used against you in court. Many people mistakenly believe they can talk their way out of an arrest or explain the situation, but doing so can complicate your defense and provide the prosecution with evidence.
What You Should Say:
“I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want to speak with my attorney.”
How Perlman & Cohen Can Help:
Once retained, we will immediately notify law enforcement that you are represented. This prohibits further questioning without our presence. We also review all statements and police interactions to determine whether your rights were violated and if evidence can be suppressed as a result.
Bail is a financial arrangement that allows a person to be released from custody while awaiting trial. In Los Angeles, bail amounts are determined by a standard bail schedule based on the alleged offense. In some cases, individuals may be released on their own recognizance (OR), meaning no payment is required if they agree to appear in court.
However, posting bail without first consulting an attorney can lead to unnecessary financial strain or missed opportunities for a bail reduction hearing.
How Perlman & Cohen Can Help:
Our attorneys evaluate your case and may recommend delaying bail to allow for a bail reduction motion or OR release request at arraignment. We work with experienced bail bondsmen to facilitate affordable release options when necessary. Additionally, we can advocate on your behalf to reduce or eliminate the bail requirement altogether.
The specific charges filed against you will determine the potential penalties and legal strategy. In California, crimes are categorized as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Some offenses may be “wobblers,” which means they can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances.
Understanding the exact nature of your charges is crucial to forming a strong legal defense. Every charge has its own set of required elements the prosecution must prove, and early case evaluation can expose flaws in the evidence or police procedure.
How Perlman & Cohen Can Help:
Our legal team conducts an immediate and thorough review of your case, including the arrest report, witness statements, and any video or forensic evidence. We analyze the legal sufficiency of the charges and identify areas where the prosecution’s case may be vulnerable. If appropriate, we seek to have charges reduced or dismissed early in the process.
Within 48 hours of your arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), you must be brought before a judge for your arraignment. This is a critical stage in the process where:
Although the arraignment is a preliminary step, it can set the tone for the entire case. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side ensures your rights are protected and that your position is presented professionally to the judge.
How Perlman & Cohen Can Help:
We appear with you in court and handle all legal arguments regarding bail, conditions of release, and the initial case calendar. Our presence alone signals to the court that you are taking the matter seriously and have professional representation. This can influence the judge’s decisions and impact how the prosecutor handles your case moving forward.
The period immediately following the arraignment is where many cases are won or lost. Early defense efforts can include:
The sooner we begin building your defense, the more opportunities we have to influence the outcome of your case before it progresses to trial.
How Perlman & Cohen Can Help:
Our team employs a proactive and detail-oriented approach to criminal defense. We don’t wait for discovery from the prosecution—we go out and get the information ourselves. From securing expert testimony to challenging unlawful searches, we build compelling defenses rooted in fact and law.
One of the greatest risks following an arrest is inadvertently making the situation worse. Common mistakes include:
Each of these missteps can have serious repercussions, including additional charges, higher penalties, or a weaker legal defense.
How Perlman & Cohen Can Help:
We act as your legal shield and strategic advisor. From day one, we provide clear instructions about what to do—and what not to do—to protect yourself legally and personally. We remain in close communication to ensure every step you take supports your defense strategy.
Choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Perlman & Cohen, our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling criminal cases across Los Angeles County.
We offer:
Whether you are facing DUI charges, assault allegations, drug offenses, theft, or federal investigations, our team is equipped to provide the legal guidance and courtroom representation you need.
The first 24 hours following an arrest are critical. The sooner you secure experienced legal representation, the better your chances of protecting your rights, your record, and your future.
Do not speak to law enforcement or make any decisions about your case until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
Contact Perlman & Cohen today for a confidential consultation.
We’re here to guide you through every step of the process—from the moment you’re arrested to the final resolution of your case.
