Before the Court can consider your case, you must enter a plea. An Arraignment provides an opportunity for you to enter an initial plea for your charges. You should consult an experienced AZ criminal defense or DUI attorney well before your arraignment date, and well before you “plead guilty” to any Arizona criminal or DUI charges. Regardless of how severe the charges, you may have defenses and rights you are not aware of. You do not want to detriment or waive these rights or defenses by pleading guilty. A good DUI or criminal defense lawyer may be able to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or otherwise more favorable outcome in your case.
2) Arraignment Notification, Scheduling, and LocationFor Phoenix DUI or criminal charges, you will be given a “complaint”. If you are not in custody, it is called a “summons”. This document provides information concerning your Arraignment date, location, and time you are scheduled to appear. All jurisdictions in Arizona are assigned to designated criminal courts where Arraignments are heard. For example, the city of Phoenix has its own Criminal Courts including City courts, Phoenix Justice Courts and Phoenix Superior Courts. Your complaint or summons will include the name of the court, and the location you are required to appear for your arraignment. Your court location depends on the nature of the charges, (felony verses misdemeanor) and the jurisdiction where you were arrested or charged. Most felony arraignments are held in Arizona Superior Courts. Most misdemeanors are held in Arizona’s Justice Courts. However, some felonies can initially begin in a lower court such as Arizona justice courts. Each city has its designated criminal courts for felony arraignments and misdemeanor arraignments will be heard.3) Court Procedures for Arraignments in Maricopa CountyAn Arraignment in Maricopa County is generally a brief but formal hearing. It provides an opportunity for the defendant to enter their initial plea for Phoenix DUI or Criminal Charges (not to be confused with a negotiated “Plea Bargain” or “Plea Agreement” towards resolution). You can expect the following at your Arraignment:
If you have a scheduled Arraignment criminal or DUI charges, one of the most important decisions you will need to make, is how to plea. There are three Plea types that can initially be entered at your arraignment:
If you choose to plead “not guilty”, your next court date will be set and you preserve your right to retain a criminal defense Attorney and defend the charges. Although not advised, you may defend the charges without formal legal representation. Or you may retain a DUI or criminal defense lawyer in Arizona to challenge the evidence and charges against you.
If you choose to plead “guilty”, this means you accept guilt and the evidence the prosecution has against you, and waive your right to defense by a DUI or criminal lawyer. For misdemeanors, you will generally be sentenced by the judge at that time. For felonies, another future date will be set, usually within 30 days.
If you choose to plead “no contest” it means you hold that you do not accept guilt and you are not guilty of the charges. However, you agree in this case to accept a conviction, and penalties for the crime as ordered by the judge, within the Sentencing range of Arizona State Law.
Refer to “How to Plea” link for additional information on Plea types and their consequences in Arizona DUI and Criminal Courts.
Contact the Law Office of James Novak today, if you have a scheduled Arraignment in a Maricopa County CourtIf you have a scheduled arraignment date for a felony or misdemeanor for criminal or DUI charges in Arizona Criminal Court for Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, or Gilbert AZ DUI or Criminal Charges, you should consult the Law Office of James Novak. James Novak is a proven and experienced Arizona Criminal Defense and Phoenix DUI Attorney and Former AZ DUI & Criminal Prosecutor. He will provide you with a free initial and confidential consultation by phone or in person. You can discuss your Phoenix AZ charges, potential penalties, and defense options. Call today!
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AZ DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer James Novak , Attorney at Law, Represents Clients for Defense of criminal & DUI Charges in Phoenix Criminal Courts, Mesa Criminal Courts, Tempe Criminal Courts, Scottsdale Criminal Courts, Chandler Criminal Courts, Gilbert Criminal Courts, Arizona Justice Courts and Arizona Superior Courts