The short version: The First Hearing is a free site that shares general information and one person's experience with a first-time charge. It is not legal advice, and using it doesn't make us your lawyer. For advice about your situation, talk to a lawyer or the public defender's office.
What this is (and isn't)
The First Hearing provides general information about the process around a first-time criminal charge in Santa Clara County, California, along with the founder's personal experience. We are not lawyers, this is not legal advice, and reading this site or emailing with us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Nothing here predicts what will happen in yours.
We are not a lawyer referral service and we do not recommend specific lawyers. Where you may need one, we point you to free or certified options such as the public defender's office and the State Bar's certified Lawyer Referral Service.
No guarantees
We work to keep the information accurate, but laws and local practice change, and the content may be incomplete or out of date. The site is provided "as is," without warranties of any kind. You use it at your own risk, and you are responsible for your own decisions — ideally made with a lawyer or the public defender.
Using the site
- Provide accurate information in any form you choose to submit.
- If you give us your email, you agree we may send you the information you requested (and, if you opted in, occasional updates you can unsubscribe from).
- Don't misuse the site or use it to harm others.
Content
The content on this site is ours and is meant for your personal use. Please don't republish it as your own.
Other sites
We may link to outside resources (such as the public defender or the State Bar). We are not responsible for those sites.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent allowed by law, The First Hearing is not liable for any damages arising from your use of, or reliance on, the site or its information.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California.
Changes
We may update these terms; we'll change the date above when we do.
Contact
Questions? Email help@thefirsthearing.com.