Arraignments

An arraignment is the first appearance of a person in court whether or not he or she is in custody. In a misdemeanor case, it means the initial appearance before a judge at which the criminal defendant enters a plea; in a felony case this is the proceeding after the indictment or bindover at which the defendant comes before a judge in district court, is informed of the charges, enters a plea, and has a date set for disposition or trial. At arraignment, the attorney usually receives the police reports on a certain case and any gets a formal complaint which states the charges filed against the person. It's important to be aware of the fact that these charges may differ from those for which a person was arrested. This means that you can be arrested by the police for one set of charges and the prosecutor can file charges that differ from the first.

You will be arraigned if you have made bond or remain in jail. However, sometimes a court date is set in the future for you to return for a hearing, trial or other court proceeding. If you have been arrested and are being arraigned, contact Defense NY.com at (866) 99 TRUST.