FAQs

An arraignment is the first court appearance in a criminal case. If your matter is a misdemeanor your attorney can go to court for you. If you are charged with a felony you will have to attend your arraignment with your attorney. The accused is informed of the charges against him or her and a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest is entered. After your arraignment a pre-trial (misdemeanor) or a preliminary hearing (felony) will be set.

Right to know the charge
Right to an attorney
Right to a court appointed attorney
Right to separate counsel
Right to a continuance and delay
Right to be released on bail, or on your own recognizance without bail
Right to know the various pleas available
Right to a preliminary hearing
Right to trial by jury or Judge
Right to see, hear, and confront witnesses
Right to subpoena witnesses and evidence
Right to remain silent
Right to know penalty
Presumption of innocence
Right to appeal some adverse decisions

A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to one year and/or a fine. Some misdemeanor convictions can result in driver's license suspensions and can affect your gun rights. Some have as a consequence mandatory counseling.

Felonies are serious. You need a lawyer that understands what is at stake. Felonies can result in confinement at a state prison.

Lawsuits can be extremely stressful and it's natural for many to want to talk about them. However, it is best to only discuss the case with a trusted confidant since conversations can be the subjects of inquiry in the course of discovery. It is best to immediately hire an attorney who can review the matter with you.