How long does it take for an arraignment?

How long does it take for an arraignment?

For suspects who are in custody, some kind of court appearance (usually an “arraignment” or “initial appearance”) must typically occur within two or three days. At that court appearance, the government presents the charges against the defendant.

Can more charges be added after arraignment?

Arrests and prosecutions are separate functions. Prosecutors can add charges or dismiss charges pursuant to the criminal rules at arraignment or at any point while the case is pending, but whatever a police officer charges someone with when they arrest them will be their initial charges in court.

Does arraignment mean jail?

The arraignment is often the first court appearance following an arrest or criminal citation. Some states require arraignments in all felony and misdemeanor cases—basically, any case in which the defendant faces possible incarceration, whether in jail or prison. Some states require arraignments only in felony cases.

Can a judge add charges?

Typically, the judge does not have authority to add charges. That is the duty of the prosecuting authority. The judge could greatly influence the prosecutor’s decision but the judge can’t add charges him/herself.

Can I plead guilty with an explanation?

You can pay the fine, which is similar to pleading guilty. You can plead guilty with an explanation or plead nolo contendere, which are useful only in certain situations. Also, you will want to research the law governing your alleged violation to find out which plea makes sense for you.

Why do innocent plead guilty?

Innocent people are pleading guilty to crimes they did not commit. The guilty plea problem doesn’t occur just at the front-end of the system. It also happens after people have taken the extraordinary step of demonstrating—through solid evidence and often decades in prison—that they were, in fact, innocent.

Is pleading guilty good?

In exchange for pleading guilty, the criminal defendant may receive a lighter sentence or have charges reduced. Additionally, pleading guilty avoids the uncertainty of a trial. Juries can be unpredictable. Prosecutors may uncover additional evidence that can make it more likely for a jury to convict the defendant.

How long do you have to accept a plea deal?

There is no specific time limit. The prosecutor is not even required to extend a plea offer. If a prosecutor does, they can give you a minute, an hour, a day, a week, or a month. It is totally within their discretion to make and revoke plea bargain…