The first criminal court date is an intimidating day for many. However, when you work with an experienced criminal defense team you can be more at peace on this date. In this video, own and founder of Cannon & Associates describes how to best prepare for your first criminal court date.
In this video John discusses the first court date in state court criminal cases or the arraignment. At arraignment the judge will call you to the bench, advise you of your criminal charges, the punishment range for your charges, and you bond. You or your criminal defense attorney can request a bond reduction, which the court will consider if appropriate. Finally, and most importantly, the court will enter your initial plea.
It is important to enter a plea of Not Guilty at arraignment in a criminal case. Even, if you are guilty and plan to enter a plea agreement with the government / prosecution, you should still enter a plea of not guilty at your arraignment.
The prosecutor is typically not present for your criminal arraignment; however, your statements can still potentially be used against you. It is important to not make any admissions or incriminating statements at court, as they could be used against you later in your criminal case.
The prosecutor does not appear at arraignment in most criminal cases, because they have appeared by filing an information or criminal charges against you in your case. The prosecutor's office receives police reports or investigative reports from the police, sheriff, or other law enforcement and makes a decision on what, if any criminal charges are appropriate.
Prosecutors should file charges they are confident they can prove at jury trial; however, they are not required to have that level of certainty in order to file criminal charges against you. This is just one reason it is so important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you and fight your case.
After arraignment, your case will be set on a docket before another judge that will be able to hear or resolve your case. Typically, it is not in your best interest to enter a plea in your case on the first disposition or pretrial date; however, you will be able to resolve your case once you appear before a judge after arraignment. Your criminal defense attorney can and should explain this process to you and how you can seek the best possible outcome in your case.
We hope this video has helped explain the first court date in state court criminal proceedings. Please visit our website for more resources or answers to your questions.
Cannon & Associates, 1425 Fretz Ave, Edmond, Oklahoma 73003
Call NOW – Your Fierce Advocate 405-657-2323 for a free case planning session.
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