The days following an arrest are scary and confusing. The legal process frightens many people, and can cause sleepless nights filled with anxiety. Soon after an arrest you will be required to appear in court, and for some the thought of going before the Judge is nothing short of a nightmare. This first appearance is referred to as an arraignment, and this is where the Judge will formally read to you the charges that have been filed against you.
Knowing what to expect at an arraignment will help you feel confident when going to Court. Here is what you can expect:
- The Judge will read the charges to you and ask you how you plea to the charges.
● In cases where bail is required, the arraignment is the time the Judge will set the bail amount.
Having an attorney appear with you at arraignment will put you at ease, and may give you an advantage over defendants that opt to appear on their own. Often times the prosecution has the information about the charges before the hearing, and a criminal defense attorney might be able to review the charges before Court. This will allow your attorney to begin developing a defense before you stand before the Judge, and means you will be better prepared.
If you have questions about what happens at arraignment, call an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast for help. We offer aggressive representation for all types of criminal charges. Call us today to schedule an appointment that includes a free initial evaluation of the facts of your case.