UNDERSTANDING THE CRIMINAL PROCESS

The Arraignment

The law allows the police to hold a suspect for a limited period of time after the arrest. In most cases, you can be held up to 72 hours after the arrest -- unless it is on a weekend or court holiday, in which case it can be extended one day. For example, if you are arrested on a Thursday before a holiday weekend, you can spend up to four or five days in jail before you see a judge.

To find out when the first appearance will take place, call the booking information line at the jail, or the arresting agency.

An attorney may make a special appearance (one appearance only) at the arraignment and may be able to request a bail reduction. Special appearances can only be made at the first appearance/arraignment.

In a misdemeanor case, once the law firm appears on behalf of a client, it is committed to the entire case, including trial (unless it was a special appearance.)

In a felony case, the client may retain the law firm through Municipal Court only, which includes the preliminary hearing.