What Is an Arraignment?

Your very first appearance before a judge is called an arraignment. This is where your charges will be formally read, and you enter a plea - either guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Should you retain Gold & Witham right after your arrest, we could attend the arraignment with you.

Another thing that happens at the arraignment is setting bail. The judge will inform you how much bail will cost (if anything). If you post bail and do not return on your set court date, then the judge will issue a bench warrant for failure to appear.

If you enter a not guilty hearing at your arraignment, then the judge will set a court date. Before your trial, there is a phase called pre-trial hearings where our firm could file motions and gather evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.