San Diego Criminal Court: What is a Felony Settlement Conference AKA Felony Readiness Conference?

If you or a loved one are facing felony criminal charges in the state of California, you might have heard the term “felony settlement conference,” also known as a “felony readiness conference.” In this video, we’re going to break down what exactly those are, where they’re held, what happens, and what you need to know as the client or the loved one of the client. We’ll also cover what you should wear, what you can expect to happen, how long they take, what comes next, and what the end goal of each felony settlement conference or felony readiness conference should be. Hope you enjoy and find it valuable.

We keep using this term “felony settlement conference” or “felony readiness conference.” Let’s define it. A readiness conference or a settlement conference happens between your arraignment (your first court date) and your preliminary hearing in a felony case. At the arraignment, you go in and enter a not guilty plea, and dates are set for your next appearances, whether you’re in custody or out on bail or your own recognizance. More often than not, your next date will be this felony settlement conference.

If you’re downtown, you’ll be dealing with the 11th floor of the downtown State Courthouse. In Chula Vista, it’s Department 14, and in Vista, it’s Department 5 or 6. In El Cajon, you’ll be in Department 2 or 11. The purpose of this conference is essentially a status check where your attorney, the district attorney, and the judge discuss the case. They’ll ask, “Can it settle? Should it settle? Will it eventually settle, or does it need to go to a preliminary hearing or even to trial?”

Often, the goal of a readiness conference is to confirm the preliminary hearing. Maybe you set a new readiness conference date, continue it, or if the case goes well, it could get dismissed. Sometimes, cases can resolve by way of a negotiated plea bargain at a readiness conference, stopping the proceedings, and your next court date will likely be your sentencing.

So now that we know what a felony readiness conference or settlement conference is, why does it matter? It matters a lot because, often, the felony readiness conference or settlement conference is the first time the judge will learn about you and your case. More often than not, the judge from your arraignment will not be the judge handling this readiness or settlement conference. It’s a good opportunity for your attorney to make a positive impression on the judge who may be seeing the case for the first time and to set the tone moving forward.

It’s also an opportunity to show the district attorney and the judge that your attorney knows your case better than anyone possibly can. This is essential for maximizing your case’s chances of success at the readiness conference or settlement conference, whether there will be future ones or whether the case can be resolved favorably at the first one.

When and where does a felony settlement or readiness conference occur? It depends on where the case is heard. In State Court within San Diego County, if your case is downtown, your readiness conference will be on the 11th floor of the Downtown Courthouse, located at 1100 Union Street. You’ll be in departments 1101, 1102, or 1103, and for all future conferences, it will be in the same department. In East County, your case will be at the El Cajon Courthouse in Department 2 before the preliminary hearing, and more likely than not, Department 11 afterward. In Vista, you’ll be in Department 6 before the preliminary hearing and Department 5 for felony readiness or settlement conferences. In Chula Vista, it’s Department 14 for all felony readiness or settlement conferences.

What happens at these conferences? From about 8:30 to 10:00 in the morning, it’s a bit like herding cattle, as defense attorneys, district attorneys, and judges all try to get into the same room. Clients often wonder what’s going on, but typically, attorneys and judges are discussing the case, setting dates, or negotiating potential resolutions. It’s an opportunity to make an impression with the judge and district attorney about you as a client. If your attorney isn’t prepared or doesn’t know your case, it reflects poorly on you, so it’s crucial that your attorney is well-prepared.

How should you, as the client, prepare for this conference? The key is good communication with your lawyer. Make sure they’re preparing you for what to expect, and if not, it may be time to reevaluate your representation. You won’t know everything that’s going to happen, but your attorney should prepare you for various scenarios. Additionally, you should dress appropriately — business casual at a minimum. Jeans are fine if paired with a collared shirt, but you should be as dressed up as possible while still being comfortable.

Possible outcomes of a felony readiness or settlement conference depend on the facts of the case and your attorney’s skill and preparation. In a dream situation, the case could be dismissed, though that’s rare. More commonly, the case could resolve with a negotiated plea bargain, or you could plead to the charges and proceed to sentencing. Another outcome might be a continuance, where you set new dates or confirm your preliminary hearing.

In this video, we covered a lot about felony readiness or settlement conferences, particularly in San Diego. We talked about what they are, where they are, and their purpose. One takeaway is to be prepared — not just you as the accused, but also ensure that your law firm is prepared. It’s essential to maximize your chances of success, even at a readiness conference. There’s always something to accomplish, whether setting dates or planting a seed about a potential outcome.

If you found this video helpful, share it with someone going through this process, whether it’s yourself or someone else. It’s important to know your rights and options to make the best decision for your future.