An arraignment is a hearing that occurs after an arrest, where a judge hears and reviews the charges against you before deciding how to proceed. During your arraignment, you can expect to hear your rights and the charges against you, enter your plea, potentially receive bail, and hear the next steps based on your plea. An Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyer can prepare you and guide you through your hearing.
Hear and Understand Your Rights
During your arraignment hearing, you can expect a judge to start by making sure you were read your Miranda Rights upon your arrest and that you understand them as you go forward. They will also inform you of your Constitutional rights, which include your rights to hear the charges against you and defend yourself, and receive due process and a speedy trial. You also cannot be tried for the same crime twice. Throughout the legal process, you will be considered innocent until an abundance of evidence shows otherwise.
Hear the Charges Against You
During the arraignment process, the judge will read the charges against you. This ensures that you fully understand the reason for your arrest, as well as what penalties are associated with your charges. This step also ensures that you can make an informed decision about how to plead and how to defend yourself from the specific charges you’re facing if your case moves to trial.
Enter Your Plea
After hearing your charges, you will need to enter your plea before the judge. This is an important step and impacts the next steps in your case. There are three plea options available to you, and your OKC DUI defense lawyer will advise you on how to plead based on your circumstances. If you plead guilty, you acknowledge that the charges are true, and a judge will move to sentence you. Pleading not guilty allows you to rebut the charges against you in court and defend yourself from allegations. Finally, if you plead no-contest, you are neither agreeing nor disagreeing with the charges against you. However, you will likely be sentenced as if you had pleaded guilty.
Judge May Issue Bail or Release You on Recognizance
A judge may also set bail during your arraignment hearing to ensure that you are present at all future court hearings for your case. The judge will also determine how much your bail will be. A lawyer will discuss bail and bond procedures in Oklahoma, so you understand what bond options you have for paying bail. Your bond will be returned to you if you show up to all proceedings. It is also worth noting that a judge may also choose to forego bail and release you on your own recognizance and promise to appear at your trial.
Consult a Lawyer About What Comes Next in Your Case
The events that transpire during an arraignment dictate what comes next in your case. Whether you receive immediate sentencing or proceed to trial, you should consult with an Oklahoma City assault attorney about what specific steps come next. In both situations, a lawyer can advocate for you and work to reduce your charges or sentencing. There is a lot that depends on your arraignment, so contact Josh Lee & Associates for guidance and defense during the legal process.
