The Criminal Arraignment Process: Frequently Asked Questions
Las Vegas criminal defense attorney Parviz Heshmati can teach you about the basics of criminal law, including classification of crimes, tips on how to handle your arrest, types of evidence, and the language typically used and what it means.
Arraignment: What Are Your Rights To Counsel?
1. Arraignment - The First Court Appearance
Unless a judge was required to hear a bail motion, the arraignment is generally the first court appearance for all defendants.
The arraignment is a brief formal process. During the arraignment, the judge will usually:
• Read the criminal charge or charges against the defendant
• Ask the defendant if he or she has a criminal defense lawyer
• Ask the defendant to enter a plea of "not guilty," "guilty," or "no contest"
• Possibly revise or reduce bail or release the defendant on his or her own recognizance or good behavior
• Set the dates for future proceedings in the case
2. The Right To Counsel
Under the Sixth Amendment, defendants have the right to have legal representation during criminal prosecutions. If the defendant is unable to afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a lawyer to handle the case at no charge.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, Las Vegas defense attorney Parviz Heshmati, may be able to best explain the arraignment process in regard to your charges.
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The more time that goes by in a criminal case without protection from a qualified attorney, the harder it may be to secure the best possible results. Don't wait. Contact us today at 702-432-1000. We offer free consultations. Hablamos español.
