In this video, we discuss what to do when you receive a Notice of Complaint Filed in Orange County and how to respond effectively. A Notice of Complaint is a formal document from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office signaling the start of a legal proceeding against you. If you appeared in court and no case was filed against you at that time, you may receive this notice 45-60 days later, alerting you to your upcoming arraignment.
Failing to respond to a Notice of Complaint Filed can have serious consequences, such as the issuance of a bench warrant, leading to your arrest. It's crucial to attend your court date or have a criminal defense attorney represent you to avoid an unfavorable outcome. Legal representation during this time is important, particularly in cases involving DUIs, domestic violence, shoplifting, or hit-and-run incidents.
In many cases, when you appear in court and the case isn’t on the calendar, you will receive instructions from the District Attorney’s Office explaining why. There are three common reasons: the District Attorney hasn’t received paperwork from the agency, the case is still under review, or it’s been sent back for further investigation.
The notice you receive marks your arraignment date, where you or your attorney can enter a plea and obtain the necessary documents for your defense. In some cases, like second or third DUI charges or domestic violence, bail considerations or custody issues may arise. It’s important to have a bail bondsman ready in case the court orders custody or imposes bail conditions.
Delays in filing may occur due to administrative reasons or the need for further investigation. However, it’s critical to understand that the statute of limitations still applies—one year for misdemeanors and longer for felonies. If you’ve received a Notice of Complaint Filed, it’s essential not to ignore it. Consult with a criminal defense attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you prepare your defense.
If you’re dealing with this situation, contact us today for expert legal assistance. Don’t face this complex process alone. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments or use the “Make an Appointment” button for personalized help.
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