Your first court date on a San Mateo County misdemeanor is the arraignment. It happens at the Hall of Justice in Redwood City or the Northern Branch in South San Francisco — whichever is on your paperwork.
Here's what actually happens there, whether you have to appear in person, and what comes next.
What an Arraignment Is
The arraignment is your first appearance in front of a judge. Three things happen: the court tells you the charges the District Attorney has filed, advises you of your constitutional rights, and takes your plea. At this early stage the plea is almost always not guilty — that preserves every option while your attorney reviews the evidence.
The judge also addresses custody. On most misdemeanors, that means releasing you on your own recognizance (OR) — a written promise to return — rather than setting bail. Your attorney's job at this hearing is to secure release on the best possible terms and to keep every resolution open.
Where San Mateo Arraignments Happen
The San Mateo County Superior Court's Criminal Division sits at two courthouses, both of which hear misdemeanor matters. Which one hears your case is on your citation or arraignment notice.
Hall of Justice — Redwood City (Southern Branch)
400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. The county's main criminal courthouse.
Northern Branch — South San Francisco
1050 Mission Road, South San Francisco, CA 94080. The county's northern courthouse.
San Mateo County Superior Court, Criminal Division — the exact department and phone are listed on your citation or arraignment notice. See the San Mateo County criminal defense overview.
Do You Have to Appear?
Often, no. Under California Penal Code 977, for most misdemeanors your attorney can appear on your behalf without you being personally present — including at the arraignment. That means you may not have to take a day off work or travel to court for the early hearings.
There are exceptions. Certain domestic violence charges and some DUI proceedings can require your personal appearance. Your attorney will tell you exactly which hearings you must attend.
What Comes Next
After arraignment, a misdemeanor is set for a pretrial conference. This is where the real work happens: your attorney and the San Mateo County District Attorney negotiate, and motions are filed and argued. Most cases resolve here — through a reduction, a diversion grant, or a dismissal — without ever reaching trial.
If the case does not resolve at the pretrial stage, it proceeds to trial, and to sentencing only if there is a conviction. The paths to a dismissal (San Francisco guide) are worth understanding early.
Diversion Starts Here
For many first-time misdemeanor clients, the best outcome is diversion — completing conditions instead of taking a conviction, with the case dismissed at the end. The time to raise it is at or near arraignment. In San Mateo County the options include:
- Judicial misdemeanor diversion — Penal Code 1001.95, for most misdemeanors.
- Mental health diversion — Penal Code 1001.36.
- San Mateo County collaborative courts — Drug Court, Military Diversion (a pre-trial program for service members and veterans), the Pathways Program mental health treatment court, and Veterans Treatment Court.
Which door fits depends on the charge and your background — that's the first thing worth sorting out.
Cost
ASH Legal handles San Mateo County misdemeanors on a flat fee starting at $3,500 — one number covering arraignment, court appearances, negotiation with the DA, motions, and resolution. No hourly billing. Payment plans available. DUI matters are quoted separately. How fees work.
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Have a San Mateo County arraignment coming up? Tell me the charge and the court date. I'll tell you whether I can appear for you, what to expect, and whether diversion applies.
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