ARRAIGNMENT

An Arraignment is the hearing in which the Defendant is informed of the charges against him. At this hearing a plea of not guilty is entered to all charges contained in the Complaint and a denial as to any allegations that may have been attached. The Defendant is notified of the next court appearance date, a judge is assigned to the case. Defendant is also warned that failure to appear at future hearings could result in a warrant being issued and the case proceeding in the Defendant’s absence. If a Defendant has not secured an attorney by this time and cannot afford to hire one, an attorney will be appointed to represent the defendant. Attorney fees may be assessed to offset the cost of defense.