Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQ CATEGORIES
What date is my court hearing?
Check the citation form that law enforcement gave you.
It lists details of your arraignment, including:
- date
- time
- courthouse location
You can call 833-LAC-JCOD (833-522-5263) to sign up for court reminders.
While in court, listen carefully and double-check your next court date with your attorney.
How do I set up court reminders?
Call 833-LAC-JCOD (833-522-5263) if you haven’t had your arraignment yet.
If you’ve already been arraigned and have a case number, you can schedule text reminders online through the court.
Is transportation to court available?
Call the JCOD Justice Connect Support Center at 833-522-5263. We may be able to connect you to transportation resources.
- Arrive at least an hour early to get through security and find your courtroom.
- Arriving by public transportation? Use the MTA trip planner to find the best route.
- Arriving by car? Find a place to park near the courthouse with a parking service website.
Can I miss my arraignment hearing?
No. If you have an extreme emergency, you must let the court know ahead of time.
If you can’t show up:
- Call the courthouse where your hearing is scheduled, and let them know right away.
- You can also call the LA County Public Defender’s Office to speak with a lawyer.
- If you can’t contact the courthouse or your lawyer, you can send a family member to court to speak for you and ask for a different court date.
Despite taking any of these actions, a warrant may still be issued for your arrest.
What if I don’t show up to my court hearing?
This is called a failure to appear. It can seriously hurt your case, and a warrant for your arrest will be issued.
If you’ve already missed your court hearing, call your lawyer right away. If you don’t know your lawyer’s name, call the LA County Public Defender’s Office or the Alternate Public Defenders Office.
What services and assistance does JCOD offer? And do I need to pay a fee or have health insurance?
We help people who have been arrested or released from jail connect to the services that are right for them.
This can include:
- temporary housing
- mental health support
- substance use support
- care management
- job support
It’s completely free to call us, and you don’t need health insurance. You will not be turned away if you don’t have an ID, and citizenship is not required.
JCOD does not provide legal advice.
Who can benefit from JCOD services?
Anyone who:
- Has been arrested
- Has a court hearing scheduled
- Is in custody
- Has a family member or friend who needs to figure out next steps
Are JCOD services private?
We will never share your medical and personal health information without your consent.
What if the court orders me to call the JCOD Justice Connect Support Center?
If you’re ordered to call the JCOD Justice Connect Support Center, we’ll report back some information to the court. This may include:
- That you called
- That you are participating in services or classes
- That you are receiving support
- We won’t share your personal health information.
Are JCOD services available in languages other than English?
Yes. Our support center staff speak English and Spanish, and we can support other languages through interpreters.
I’m unhoused, or I don’t feel safe in my housing. What should I do?
Call the JCOD Justice Connect Support Center at 833-522-5263 for help. We can connect you to service providers with temporary housing.
If you have a family with children and are in need of emergency housing/shelter, please call 211.
How can I get help getting a new ID? (For example, driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card.)
Call 833-LAC-JCOD (833-522-5263). We can connect you to service providers to help you get a new ID.
What social services programs are available, and how do I enroll? (For example, CalFresh, CalWORKs.)
Social services can provide free food, medical care and educational or job resources.
Call the JCOD Justice Connect Support Center at 833-522-5263, and we’ll connect you to service providers to help you enroll in available programs.
I’m worried about my mental health or the mental health of a loved one. What can I do?
- Call 988 or 911.
- Or go to an emergency room.
If it’s not an emergency:
- Call the LA County Department of Mental Health 24/7 Help Line at 800-854-7771.
- Contact a mental health resource close to you.
- Contact NAMI Greater Los Angeles County to find a support group nearby.
- Or call 833-LAC-JCOD (833-522-5263).
I’m worried about my substance use or my loved one’s substance use. What can I do?
If you’re having an emergency, call 911 or 988 or go to an emergency room.
If it’s not an emergency and you need help:
- Call the Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Health Substance Abuse Service Helpline (SASH) at 844-804-7500.
- Look through our substance use resources to find help close to you.
- You can also call the JCOD Justice Connect Support Center at 833-522-5263.
How do I connect to support programs in the community, like Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon or Narcotics Anonymous?
You can call:
- Los Angeles Alcoholics Anonymous at 323-936-4343
- Al-Anon Family Groups of Greater Los Angeles at 818-547-3027
- Southern California Region of Narcotics Anonymous at 323-933-5395
How do I get help with domestic abuse?
- Call the 24-hour LA County Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-978-3600.
- Call a 24-hour hotline from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health domestic violence hotline list.
How does the process leading up to trial work?
Check out our guide, which leads you step-by-step through the process.
Do I qualify for bail?
Charges have different bail amounts. Law enforcement applies the bail schedule at the time of arrest, and the court will let you know the bail amount at your arraignment and any future court dates.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
If you can’t afford a lawyer, at your court date the judge will assign a lawyer to represent you. This could be a lawyer from the LA County Public Defender’s Office, the Alternate Public Defenders Office or the Independent Defense Counsel Office.