Facing criminal charges can leave you unsure about what will happen when you walk into court, especially if you have never dealt with the criminal justice system before. An arraignment gives you an early opportunity to address the charges against you, but the exact procedure depends on the type of charge you face.
Here is what you can generally expect during this stage of a Minnesota criminal case.
The charges and your rights
The court will review the charges against you and make sure you understand your basic rights. Minnesota’s criminal procedure rules require the court to provide you with a copy of the charging document and advise you of rights such as your right to an attorney and, if you qualify, appointed counsel.
If you have difficulty understanding the proceedings because of a communication or language barrier, the court must address your need for an interpreter. This helps ensure you can understand the charges and participate in your defense.
The plea
The plea you can enter depends on whether you face misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony charges. For a misdemeanor, you can enter a guilty or not-guilty plea at the initial appearance. For gross misdemeanors and felonies, you generally can enter a guilty plea earlier, while a not-guilty plea waits until the Omnibus Hearing.
You do not have to decide how to handle the charges without understanding your options. Before entering a plea, you can discuss your case with an attorney and learn how the allegations and available evidence could affect your choices.
Bail and release conditions
The court will address bail and other conditions of release during the early stages of your case. Depending on your circumstances, the court can set conditions that you must follow while your case continues.
These conditions can affect where you go, who you contact or other aspects of your daily life, so make sure you understand what the court requires before leaving.
Your next court appearance
For felony and gross misdemeanor cases, the court generally schedules an Omnibus Hearing if you do not plead guilty. That hearing can address issues involving probable cause, evidence and discovery before the case proceeds toward trial.
Prepare before your arraignment date arrives
An arraignment covers important early decisions, from understanding the charges to addressing your plea and release conditions. If you face a criminal charge, discussing the case with a Minnesota criminal defense attorney can help you understand what the court will expect from you at this stage.