An arraignment is the first formal court hearing after an arrest.
If you have been arrested for a crime, you may be feeling a complicated mix of feelings — stress, fear, and confusion. You may also be wondering what will happen next with your case — and where you can turn for help.
As experienced criminal defense lawyers in Riverside, CA, the Chambers Law Firm understands how challenging it can be to find yourself in this situation. That is why we are committed to standing by our clients throughout the criminal process, from the initial arrest through the final resolution of the case.
After a suspect in a criminal case is arrested for a crime, he or she has a formal court hearing known as an arraignment. During this hearing, the accused person will have the opportunity to enter a plea of either guilty, not guilty or no contest to the charged crime. The judge will determine if the accused should be released, and if so, whether bail should be required. Finally, another court date will be set for either a pretrial hearing or a preliminary hearing.
Going to an arraignment can be a scary process, particularly if this is your first experience with the criminal justice system. Knowing what to expect can make the experience less stressful. At your arraignment, the judge will advise you of your constitutional rights, including your right to a trial by jury, your right to a speedy trial, and the right to not incriminate yourself . He or she will also advise you of the specific charges that have been filed against you by the State, and give you a chance to enter a plea. At your arraignment, you will have the right to be represented by an attorney, which includes the right to a public defender if you cannot afford a private attorney. Under California law, an arraignment must take place within 48 hours after arrest if you are in custody (in jail or prison). If you have been released (usually for a misdemeanor offense), an arraignment typically does not happen for at least 10 days. A criminal defense lawyer in Riverside, CA can represent you during an arraignment, although you will likely have to appear in person at the arraignment, particularly if you have been charged with a felony. If you fail to appear at your arraignment, the judge may issue what is known as a bench warrant for your arrest.
The arraignment is the first step in what can be a lengthy criminal process. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help defend your rights and your freedom at the arraignment and throughout the process, holding the state to its burden of proof and ensuring that your best interests are represented.
At the Chambers Law Firm, our skilled team of attorneys and professionals represent Californians who have been charged with all types of misdemeanor and felony crimes. We assist you at all stages of criminal proceedings, working hard to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can help you if you have been charged with a crime in California.
