In Custody Court Arraignment Process

An individual will go to court within a few days of their arrest if they are still in custody. This 1st court appearance is called an arraignment.

At this hearing, the individual will learn what crimes they are being accused of committing and the judge will decide whether to release the individual from custody or set bail. A future court date will then be set.

An attorney from the Public Defender will be there to represent people who are in custody but have not hired an attorney.

Our staff assist with this process by preparing reports for the court about the defendant - their criminal history, demographics, and other pertinent information. These reports help a Judge decide whether to release someone and with what conditions of release. Our staff may also be present in court to answer questions and explain the process to people who have been granted a release.