Your Arraignment (First Court Appearance) Questions Answered for Misdemeanor and Felony Cases in Arizona
Attorney, Ryan Cummings from R&R Law goes into detail on what you need to know about your first court appearance which is usually called an Arraignment and whether it’s possible to get your case dismissed right away.
Let’s get started. We answer two of your questions about what happens during your first court appearance in Arizona.
1. What Happens at an Arizona Arraignment?
Your arraignment is your first official court date where you’ll see a judge and address the charges against you. If you’re arrested, this might happen directly in jail; if you’re cited or summoned, it typically occurs about 30 days later. During the arraignment, the judge will:
- Read the charges against you.
- Explain the maximum and minimum penalties you could face.
- Ask how you plead—guilty or not guilty.
It’s usually best to plead not guilty at this stage. Why? Pleading not guilty allows you to review the police report and evidence the state has against you. This also opens the door for plea negotiations or potential dismissal of some charges. If you hire an attorney, they’ll handle this plea for you and start investigating your case. It is important to note that just because you were cited or charged with a crime, the state (prosecution) still needs to gather all the necessary evidence to prove their case against you should you decide to take your case to trial.
For felony cases, the arraignment takes place in Superior Court, and the stakes are higher. Here, the judge will enter a not guilty plea on your behalf usually, and will appoint you an attorney who will start working on your case unless you decide to obtain a private attorney.
2. Can My Arizona Case Be Dismissed at the First Court Date?
While it’s technically possible to have your case dismissed at the first court date or first pretrial conference, it’s quite rare. By this time, you typically won’t have all the necessary information, such as police reports and evidence, to mount a robust defense. The prosecution is required to provide these details by the first pretrial conference, so dismissals are more likely to occur once you have a clearer picture of the evidence and have had time to prepare your defense.
In summary, while your first court date is crucial, it’s usually not the moment for a resolution. Instead, it’s a starting point for gathering information and setting the stage for future legal proceedings. We’re here to help you with your Arizona arraignment.
If you’re facing criminal charges, or need help understanding your situation, contact R&R Law today at (602) 497-3088 or schedule a free case evaluation.
Learn more about the criminal trial process. Read our other articles and blogs on this topic.
