What Happens at a Criminal Arraignment in New Jersey?

If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, understanding what happens at an arraignment is imperative for protecting your legal rights and being prepared for the process to come. To learn more and secure skilled representation, reach out to a knowledgeable Bergen County criminal defense attorney today.

What is a Criminal Arraignment?

A criminal arraignment is a legal proceeding that occurs after an individual has been arrested and charged with a crime. It is generally the first time that the individual appears before a judge in court. The primary purpose of the arraignment is to inform the defendant of the charges against them and ensure they understand their rights.

It is crucial that you understand what to expect from a criminal arraignment to ensure you are prepared and make choices that will benefit your case and future.

What Happens at a Criminal Arraignment in NJ?

There are many important steps in a criminal arraignment, and the information shared and collected during this time can set the tone for the rest of the case. Below are the standard topics covered during the meeting.

1. Notification of Charges: At your criminal arraignment, the judge will read you the formal charges being filed against you. The judge summarizes these charges and confirms that you, as the defendant, understand the crimes you are being charged with.
2. Advisement of rights: The judge will ensure that you understand all of your legal rights as a criminal defendant, as outlined in the Constitution. These rights include the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel, the right to a speedy trial, the right to confront witnesses, and more. If you have not hired private legal counsel, the court can appoint a public defender.
3. Plea entry: You will be asked to enter a plea to the charges. You can generally plead guilty and admit to the offense, not guilty and deny the charges, or no contest or nolo contendere, which means that you do not admit guilt but accept a conviction anyway.
4. Bail: The court will consider whether to release or hold you in custody until the trial. Judges assess the severity of the charges, the risk you pose to the community, whether you are a flight risk, and your criminal record to determine whether you can be released on bail. If you are permitted to be released, the judge will set the bail amount.
5. Scheduling: After all is said and done, the court will schedule dates for upcoming meetings, like pretrial hearings and the trial.

As established, there is a lot of information exchanged and tasks to accomplish during the arraignment. It is a key step that can impact the outcome of the case.

Having skilled representation during your criminal arraignment is essential to protect your rights and legal options. Reach out to a skilled attorney today for more information and advice.