When you are charged with a criminal offense you may be asked to appear in court. Usually the first appearance is called an “arraignment.” While many people have been charged with criminal offenses, they may not understand what an arraignment is. Appearing in court can be new for many people, and for that reason it could be very confusing and intimidating. This is why it is always advised to contact a criminal defense attorney to get a better understanding of what is going on with your case and what your legal options are.
Going to Court
In some cases you may be given a ticket or a citation. That citation will tell you what you are being charged with and when your court date is. In many cases the court date is not the next weekend. Often it is around a month away. Either way, this is called the arraignment. It is the prosecution’s job to prove your guilt so you do not have to admit any guilt. The best thing to do is tell the judge you are not guilty. This will buy you time to stop around for an attorney, get another court date, and discuss your legal options to build a defense.
Every Case Is Different
Every criminal case is different and every stipulation depends on the extent of the criminal offense. Although you may say you are not guilty, the judge may give you stipulations until the next court date. Depending on the charges, you may be forced to stay in jail or in custody at home. If it is a domestic violence incident, a judge may say you are not to be in contact with the other party. Every case is different and therefore every outcome can be different as well.
Speak to a Lawyer
This is why it is best to speak with an attorney, like a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. While your arraignment may be scheduled over 30 days away from the incident date, do not wait until the last minute. While you wait for your court date, you may already begin the process of working on your defense or even submitting a plea. If you or someone you know is currently facing criminal charges, speak with a lawyer in your area to get advice on what to do next.