I want to hire a private attorney or lawyer but I don't have any
Defendant's rights at his/her first court appearance, otherwise known as the "arraignment," allow them to request a continuance in order to hire private counsel before entering a plea.
My court date is tomorrow, but I want to hire a private attorney what can I do?
Penal Code Section 990 states that "If on the arraignment, the defendant requires it, the defendant must be allowed a reasonable time to answer, which shall be not less than one day in a felony case and not more than seven days in a misdemeanor or infraction case." You must attend your court appearance and ask the court for a short continuance in order to hire private counsel.
What if I am arrested for a vehicle code misdemeanor or infraction?
The answer is found in Vehicle Code Section 40306 (b), which states that "The person taken before a magistrate shall be entitled to at least five days continuance of his case in which to plead and prepare for trial and the person shall not be required to plead or be tried within the five days unless he waives such time in writing or in open court."
What if I refuse to enter a plea at my arraignment?
Penal Code section 1024 states that "If the defendant refuses to answer the accusatory pleading, by demurrer or plea, a plea of not guilty must be entered."
Additional Resources
California Penal Code Section 990, California Penal Code Section 1024, and California Vehicle Code Section 40306.