- 1). Review the charge against you to determine whether you want to retain an attorney prior to your arraignment. While you can request time to retain counsel at the arraignment, if you have an attorney present at the arraignment, he will be able to speak to the prosecutor about possible settlement of your case and speed up the process.
- 2). Appear in court at your arraignment. If you have been booked and held in jail you will be transported to the arraignment. If you have been given a ticket and were released on a recognizance bond, make sure you do not miss your court date, which will be listed on your copy of the ticket.
- 3). Approach the judge when your case is called. When you approach the bench the judge will read to you the charges that have been filed against you, confirm you understand the charge and your rights and ask you whether you choose to plead guilty or not guilty to the charge. Note if the charge is punishable by jail time and you are indigent, you will be entitled to a public defender. In that case the public defender will be appointed to your case, and you will have an opportunity to discuss the matter with your public defender prior to entering your plea. If you have retained an attorney you will likely speak to her prior to court, and she will have had an opportunity to review the state's file and speak to the prosecutor at your arraignment regarding your case prior to it being called by the judge. You may review your options with your attorney prior to entering your plea.
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