You will be arraigned at your first court date, which takes place within a few days of your arrest in California. At this proceeding, the judge will read the charges against you, explain your legal rights, and give you the opportunity to enter a plea. Unless your attorney has advised you to do so, you should not enter a guilty plea or “no contest” plea at this point. At your arraignment, the court will also decide whether you should be released while you await trial or not.