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After arrest or indictment, the first court appearance is known as arraignment.

At the first court appearance, you will appear before a judge who will:

  • Inform you of the nature of the charges against you,
  • Ask you to state a plea of either:

    1. Guilty​​

    2. Not Guilty or 

    3. No Contest. 

  • Set bail if you’re charged with a bailable offense and not already admitted to bail.
At this stage, an attorney is essential to argue on your behalf for a low bail/bond.

Read more about bail.

If you have not been indicted, then you must be afforded the option of a preliminary hearing. The next step: 

Preliminary Hearing