Arraignment in Department 30 – Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (CCB), Los Angeles

If you’ve been ordered to appear in Department 30 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (often referred to as CCB), you are about to face the formal beginning of a criminal prosecution. Department 30 is the dedicated arraignment department for felony cases in downtown Los Angeles. This courtroom sets the tone for how your case will proceed—and what happens here can directly affect your freedom, your record, and your options moving forward.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we regularly represent clients in Department 30 arraignments. We understand how this courtroom functions, how quickly decisions are made, and how to prepare and advocate effectively at the most critical stage of the criminal process.

Understanding Arraignment: What It Means in California Law

Under California Penal Code § 977 and § 988, the arraignment is a defendant’s first appearance in criminal court after an arrest or the filing of charges. The purpose is to:

• Inform the defendant of the specific criminal charges filed
• Advise of constitutional rights (including the right to counsel)
• Enter a plea (typically “Not Guilty” to begin with)
• Address conditions of release or custody, such as bail, own recognizance (O.R.) release, or continued detention
• Set the next hearing date, often a preliminary hearing for felonies

The law requires that an in-custody defendant be arraigned within 48 court hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). This statutory deadline is strictly enforced at CCB.

Department 30 – The Arraignment Department at CCB

Department 30 is the centralized felony arraignment courtroom at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, located at:

210 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

The courtroom typically hears dozens of cases daily. Its primary role is not to determine guilt, but to initiate the criminal process formally and ensure that the legal procedures are followed. However, the consequences of what occurs in Department 30 are real and immediate:

• Bail is reviewed or imposed
• Defendants may be remanded into custody or released
• Legal timelines begin ticking
• Prosecutors begin forming their narrative
• Defense attorneys must act swiftly to protect rights, preserve evidence, and challenge procedural issues

What to Expect on the Day of Your Arraignment

If you are out of custody, you will be expected to check in early—no later than 8:00 AM. If you are in custody, you will be transported from the Los Angeles County Jail system, usually from Twin Towers or Men’s Central Jail.

Inside the Courtroom

Department 30 is fast-paced, crowded, and often intimidating for unrepresented individuals. You’ll see:

• Prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
• A rotating public defender or alternate public counsel
• A supervising arraignment judge
• Dozens of defendants—both in and out of custody—being arraigned in rapid succession

Private counsel, such as attorneys from Power Trial Lawyers, are permitted to appear and substitute in as attorney of record, often streamlining the process.

Why Department 30 Matters More Than You Think

While some view arraignment as “just a formality,” the reality in Department 30 is far more consequential. For many defendants, the following are decided at arraignment:

• Pretrial detention status – Will you remain in jail or go home today?
• Bail amount – Will the judge set, reduce, or deny bail altogether?
• Plea preservation – Will your attorney protect your ability to file suppression motions or negotiate pre-filing?
• Calendar control – Will your attorney assert or waive “time” for purposes of preliminary hearing under Penal Code § 859b?

Strategic Advocacy from the Beginning

Experienced defense counsel will:

• Argue for O.R. release based on your ties to the community, lack of prior record, employment, or hardship
• Challenge weak or duplicative charges
• Request bail deviations under Los Angeles County bail schedules
• Preserve the right to a speedy preliminary hearing within 10 court days (or waive strategically, depending on the case)

Arraignment is your first chance to define your position in court. It should not be taken lightly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Department 30 at CCB

Do I need to appear in person at my Department 30 arraignment?
In felony cases, you generally must appear in person unless your attorney obtains a court-approved Penal Code § 977 waiver. Judges in Department 30 are strict about personal appearance.

Can I be released from jail at my arraignment in Department 30?
Yes. With proper representation, your attorney may be able to secure release on your own recognizance or a reduction in bail. The judge considers public safety, flight risk, and community ties.

Can I speak during the arraignment?
No. Your attorney will speak on your behalf. Anything you say in court can be used against you. The safest approach is to let experienced counsel handle all communication with the judge and prosecutor.

How long does an arraignment take in Department 30?
The courtroom is extremely busy, so wait times can be long. However, once your case is called, the arraignment itself typically lasts only 5 to 10 minutes.

Is Department 30 open to the public?
Yes. Criminal proceedings are public unless sealed. Family members can attend, but may be limited in what they can say or do during proceedings.

The Power Trial Lawyers Advantage in Department 30

Our attorneys appear often in Department 30 at Clara Shortridge Foltz, and we know the procedural expectations, the common prosecutorial tactics, and the judicial preferences. We prepare our clients in advance and approach each arraignment with precision.

Our services include:

• Immediate client consultation and case evaluation
• Same-day court appearance and substitution of counsel
• Bail reduction motions and O.R. release arguments
• Coordination with bail agents and family members
• Early engagement with prosecutors to resolve or mitigate charges

Schedule a Confidential Arraignment Consultation

If you have a scheduled appearance in Department 30 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, or if a loved one is in custody awaiting arraignment, now is the time to act. The choices made in this courtroom—on this first day—will affect the trajectory of the entire case.

Contact Power Trial Lawyers today to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom.