1. What Is an Arraignment?
An arraignment is your first official court appearance after being charged with a crime. It is not a trial, and no witnesses will testify. Instead, it is a short hearing where the judge will:
Inform you of the charges against you
Advise you of your rights
Ask how you want to plead (guilty, not guilty, or sometimes no contest)
Address release conditions (such as bail or no-contact orders)
Set your next court date
If you were arrested and held in jail, your arraignment usually happens within 24-48 hours. If you were cited and released, your arraignment will be scheduled for a later date.
2. Entering a Plea
Not Guilty – This is the most common plea at an arraignment, even if you believe you may be guilty. Pleading “not guilty” does not mean you are denying the charges forever; it simply allows you time to review evidence, consult a lawyer, and explore legal options.
Guilty – If you plead guilty, you admit to the charges, and the judge may sentence you immediately or set another date for sentencing. This is not recommended without first speaking to an attorney.
No Contest (Nolo Contendere) – In rare cases, you may be allowed to plead “no contest,” which means you do not admit guilt but accept the conviction.
Most attorneys will advise you to plead “not guilty” at arraignment, even if you plan to resolve the case later.
3. Release Conditions (Bail, No-Contact Orders, and Restrictions)
After you enter a plea, the judge will decide if you will be released on your own recognizance (OR) or if you must post bail to stay out of jail while the case is pending.
Factors the judge considers include:
Your criminal history
Whether you have missed court in the past
The seriousness of the charge
If you are a risk to public safety or the alleged victim
In domestic violence cases, the judge will likely issue a no-contact order, which prohibits you from contacting the alleged victim. If the case involves alcohol (like DUI), the judge may order you to install an ignition interlock device or SCRAM bracelet, which detects use of alcohol on your skin.
4. Setting Future Court Dates
The judge will then schedule your next court appearance, which could be:
A pretrial hearing – So your attorney can continue to negotiate with the prosecutor.
A motion hearing – If there are legal issues that need to be addressed.
A trial date – If no resolution can be reached and a trial date needs to be set.
Most misdemeanor cases do not go to trial. Instead, they are resolved through plea negotiations, diversion programs, or dismissal if the evidence is weak.
5. Do You Need a Lawyer for Arraignment?
If you cannot afford an attorney, you can ask the judge to appoint a public defender at arraignment. If you hire a private attorney before the arraignment, they may be able to appear on your behalf for certain offenses, so you do not have to attend.
Give An Experienced DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney A Call BEFORE Your Arraignment For Your Best Outcome. (360) 792-1000
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Whether you choose to handle your case alone or engage the Witt Law Group, being informed and prepared is essential. Early involvement of an attorney can significantly impact your chances of a fair recovery, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle negotiations with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for your injuries.
