What to expect at an arraignment?

An arraignment is the first court appearance for a defendant who has been charged with a crime. At arraignment, the defendant is advised of the charges against them, and they enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge also sets bail, which is the amount of money that the defendant must pay in order to be released from jail pending trial.

What happens at an arraignment?

The arraignment is a relatively short hearing. The defendant will be brought into the courtroom and the judge will call the case. The judge will then read the charges against the defendant and ask the defendant how they plead. The defendant can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

If the defendant pleads guilty, the judge will then sentence the defendant. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the judge will set bail and the case will proceed to trial. If the defendant pleads no contest, the judge will find the defendant guilty and the case will proceed to sentencing.

What is bail?

Bail is the amount of money that a defendant must pay in order to be released from jail pending trial. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant will appear for their trial. The amount of bail is set by the judge and is based on a number of factors, including the severity of the charges, the defendant's criminal history, and the defendant's ties to the community.

What if I can't afford bail?

If you can't afford bail, you may be able to get out of jail by posting a bond. A bond is a sum of money that is paid to the court in exchange for the defendant's release. The bond is returned to the defendant when they appear for their trial.

What if I don't have the money to post a bond?

If you don't have the money to post a bond, you may be able to get out of jail by asking the court to release you on your own recognizance. This means that the court will release you from jail without requiring you to post bail or sign a bond. The court will only release you on your own recognizance if they believe that you are not a flight risk and that you will appear for your trial.

What if I need help understanding the arraignment process?

If you need help understanding the arraignment process, you should speak with an experienced Kentucky criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in court.