Following an arrest, an arraignment will need to be set and at this time the defendant will appear in court before the judge. The judge will inform the defendant what they are being charged for, what their rights are and that if they cannot afford an attorney, one can be appointed. They will then ask the defendant how they plead and the options include not guilty, guilty or no contest. A no contest plea means that they do not disagree with the charges. While it is similar to a plea of guilty, this charge can generally not be used against them in civil lawsuits.
Once the plea has been made and if the defendant is currently being held in custody, the judge will either, release them on their own recognizance that they will return for the court date, bail will be set along with the amount that it will be or the judge may choose to refuse bail and the defendant will be held for the remainder of their trial. The arraignment is an important part of the criminal process that can guide the rest of the case.
An attorney can be present at this stage of the process and it is recommended that they are. In a moment of heat and under the confusion of the criminal system, many people can find it challenging to think rationally, an attorney is able to consider the maneuvers the prosecution may make and can also consider the long term factors of the case. If you have been charged or arrested, make sure that you have reliable representation during your arraignment and throughout the rest of your case. Contact my office for a Ventura criminal defense attorney with more than 17 years of experience.