What Is the Process for an Arraignment Hearing?

After being arrested and charged with a crime, it’s common to feel confused and unsure of what’s next. The arraignment hearing is one of the most important steps in Florida’s criminal case process. 

Before an arraignment hearing, make sure that you have a qualified Florida criminal defense attorney at your side.

What Is an Arraignment Hearing?

The arraignment hearing is a critical part of the Florida criminal process.

During an arraignment hearing, the judge reads aloud the charges against you. They will subsequently ask you to enter a plea. You, the defendant, can plead any of the following:

Not Guilty

When you plead not guilty, the prosecutor must gather evidence to prove your guilt. Most defendants plead not guilty.

Guilty

Pleading guilty means that you accept all the charges against you.

No Contest

Pleading no contest is similar to a guilty plea, as you accept the charges, but in this case, you do so without admitting guilt.

The arraignment hearing can have a significant impact on a defendant’s penalties and future. Therefore, having a criminal defense lawyer present is usually best.

The Arraignment Hearing Process

After an arrest, the defendant is taken into custody. Soon after, a criminal defendant will appear in court, where a judge will inform them of the charges, explain their constitutional rights, and set bail and other conditions of pretrial release.

After this preliminary hearing, the defendant has their arraignment hearing. Depending on what happens at the arraignment, the case will either be set for trial or a judge can impose a sentence. 

Consult with a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. Your attorney can thoroughly review your case, provide valuable legal advice, and create a defense strategy to get you the best possible outcome. 

Contact Shrader & Mendez, Attorneys at Law, today at (813) 360-1529.