What is an arraignment?

An arraignment is your first court appearance on a criminal charge. It generally takes place the business day after the arrest.

What happens at an arraignment?

The charges will be read against you, and you will be asked to enter a plea. Most of the time, people enter “not guilty” pleas. By pleading “not guilty” you are asserting that you did not commit the crime. If you choose to plead “guilty,” you are admitting that you were the person who committed the crime, and you are admitting to the facts of the crime. Even if you think that you do not have a defense, it’s usually still advisable to wait until pre-trial to come to an agreement. If you plead “no contest,” you are not admitting that you’re guilty, but you’re not disputing the charge. Finally, if you choose to “stand mute,” you aren’t entering a plea. If you “stand mute,” the court will enter a plea of “not guilty” on your behalf. In addition to the charge being read and entering a plea, the court will set bail (or refuse to set bail) and set a schedule a future court date at the arraignment.

Do I need an attorney at my arraignment?

It’s a good idea to have an attorney present for several important reasons. A lawyer might be able to get your charge amended to something less serious at the arraignment. This is because it will be his or her first chance to examine the police report and any other evidence. A lawyer will also be important in terms of your bail. In setting bail, the court weighs various factors that go to the questions of whether you are dangerous or whether you are likely to flee. A lawyer will work to get the lowest bail achievable or to get you released on your word that you will show up in court when you’re obligated to do so. It is also important to have a lawyer with you at your arraignment to make sure that you don’t speak with anyone. Any little comment you make about your case can be used against you later. It might seem easy to refrain from talking about your case, but the circumstances can make you feel frightened or intimidated and cause you to start talking.

Criminal Defense Representation at the Greater Boston Law Firm of Altman & Altman, LLP

For over four decades, the Greater Boston Law Firm of Altman & Altman, LLP has been providing outstanding legal services to clients throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have appeared as legal analysts on CourtTV, The Fox News Channel, MSNBC and The BBC Network.  Our Boston Criminal Lawyers have the experience, knowledge and courtroom expertise necessary to deliver legal advice of the highest quality during every stage of your criminal proceedings – including arraignment.

If you are facing an arraignment in Massachusetts, please Contact the Greater Boston Criminal Defense Law Firm of Altman & Altman, LLP to schedule a Free Initial Consultation with one of our experienced defense attorneys.  Our phones are answered twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.  In addition to being available around the clock via telephone, all Emails sent to Altman & Altman, LLP receive an immediate response.  With offices conveniently located in Cambridge and Boston, our MA Criminal Defense lawyers have the ability to speak with you face-to-face about your legal matters.  Please Contact our office today to set up your confidential fee-of-charge initial consultation.