What to Expect at Your Arraignment in Prescott
If you have moved past the Preliminary Hearing or have been indicted by a Grand Jury, your next mandatory court appearance is the Arraignment. In Yavapai County, this usually takes place in the Superior Court building in downtown Prescott.
The Arraignment is a procedural milestone. It is not the time to argue the facts of your case or present evidence; rather, it is the moment where the charges against you are formally read, and you enter a plea.
The Four Main Goals of an Arraignment
During this brief hearing, the judge will address four specific items:
- Formal Reading of Charges: The judge will ensure you understand exactly what the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office is charging you with.
- Entering a Plea: In almost every case, your attorney will advise you to enter a plea of “Not Guilty.” This is a standard legal step that preserves your right to challenge the evidence later.
- Confirming Identity and Address: The court ensures they have your correct contact information for future legal notices.
- Setting Future Dates: The judge will schedule your next set of appearances, typically an Initial Pretrial Conference (IPTC).
Superior Court vs. Justice Court
While your earlier hearings might have taken place in a local Justice Court, the Arraignment is almost always held in the Yavapai County Superior Court. This is because felony cases must be handled by the Superior Court once an indictment or a finding of probable cause has occurred.
Release Conditions: Can They Change?
At the Arraignment, the judge will typically “affirm” the release conditions or bond set during your Initial Appearance. However, if your circumstances have changed—for example, if you have secured a new job or stable housing—this may be an opportunity for your lawyer to request a modification of your bond or release terms.
Why You Need a Lawyer Present
While the Arraignment is short, you should never attend it without counsel. Missing a deadline or failing to understand the judge’s orders regarding travel or no-contact restrictions can lead to your release being revoked and you being taken back into custody.
Navigating the Yavapai County Superior Court system? The Arraignment starts the clock on your defense timeline. Contact us today to ensure your rights are protected from day one.