New York City Criminal Defense Arraignments Lawyers Attorneys

Your first appearance in court or before a judge on a criminal charge is usually your arraignment. At arraignment, the charges against you will be read or you will be asked if you are aware of the charges against you, and you will be asked how you wish to plead. If you have been able to hire an attorney, your attorney should speak for you. If you are unable to afford an attorney you should plead not guilty and ask for the court to appoint an attorney to you. If you refuse to enter a plea, or ask for more time to consult a lawyer, the judge will enter a not guilty plea on your behalf. You will be asked to give information about your income and property and, if you do not have the money to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed at that time.

If you remain in jail after your arrest, you must be brought before a judge for arraignment within 24-48 hours after arrest. The exact time limit varies, though the U.S. Supreme Court now requires that if you were arrested without a previously-issued warrant, you must be brought before a judge within 48 hours, so that a judge may determine whether there was probable cause to arrest you.

You will be arraigned whether you have made bond or remain in jail. The only other thing that happens at an arraignment is that a court date is set in the future for you to return for a hearing, trial or other court proceeding.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and is being arraigned, contact the Law Offices of Leo V. Duval, Esq., available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at (866) 98 DEFENSE or (718) 608-0200.