Arraignments

Scheduled Arraignments are held in front of the of the Magistrate Monday through Friday at 1:00 P.M. Refer to your "Notice to Appear" for instructions. If you fail to appear for an arraignment, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. 

Walk-In-Arraignments are held in front of the Magistrate Tuesday through Friday at 1:00 P.M.

Check-In for Scheduled and Walk-In Arraignments ends at 2:00 P.M. 

This is the first court appearance for any misdemeanor or felony case. Once arrested and charged with a felony, the suspect appears in District Court for arraignment. The defendant is told what the charge(s) is (are) and the maximum penalty if convicted, and is advised of his constitutional rights to a jury or bench trial, appointed attorney, presumption of innocence, etc. The charging document is called a Complaint. The conditions and amount of bond are determined by the judge. In some cases - generally based on the nature of the charge - the Judge imposes conditions on the bond, such as no contact with the victim. For misdemeanor cases, the Magistrate will determine the amount of the bond and the type of bond, then the Magistrate will provide a date for the next court appearance, which is called a Pre-Trial. Bond is set in almost every case, but it is up to the defendant's own resources to post the bail money, which allows him to be released.