The process of facing criminal charges in Columbus can be stressful, and you might not know exactly what to do next. It is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, and you have the right to an attorney who can provide you with a proper defense. It is normal to have questions, and it is normal to be nervous.
What do you need to do if you are facing criminal charges in Columbus? There are a few important points to know about the arraignment process, and our team is here to help you.
An Overview of a Columbus, OH Arraignment
The arraignment process takes place when you are formally charged with a criminal offense. During this time, you will either plead innocent, guilty, or no contest. You should talk about your plea with your attorney beforehand. That way, you are prepared when the judge asks you how you plead.
After that, the judge will review the basic circumstances of the case, and your attorney may have an opportunity to say something. The judge will use these factors to decide whether to grant bail. If the judge decides to grant bail, he or she will either set your bail at a specific number, or you will be released on your own recognizance. All of this depends on the circumstances of your case, and your attorney will work with you to put you in the best position possible to get out as fast as you can if you are granted bail.
When Does the Arraignment Process Take Place?
In accordance with the law, the arraignment process is required to take place within 72 hours of your arrest. Generally, it will take place within 24 hours, but it might take longer if you were arrested on a weekend or a holiday.
The arraignment process is important because you should not have to sit in jail if you do not have to. If your arraignment does not occur fast enough, your attorney could put forth an argument that your 6th Amendment rights were violated. This is the amendment that gives you the right to a speedy trial, and if your rights were violated, your charges could be dismissed.
Do You Have To Go To Your Arraignment?
If you are charged with a criminal offense, you will have to go to your arraignment. If you do not show up to your arraignment, the judge could issue a bench warrant for your arrest, which could make your situation significantly worse. There might be some minor offenses where you do not have to go to your arraignment, but you should talk about this with your attorney beforehand.
Even if you are charged with a traffic violation, you may still have to go to your arraignment. If you do not go to your arraignment for a traffic violation when you are required to do so, your license could be suspended or revoked.
Remember that if you are supposed to go to your arraignment and you do not show up, the judge could use that as evidence that you are a flight risk. Then, you could end up being held without bail.
The General Arraignment Process
When you show up for an arraignment in Columbus, there are a few steps that will unfold. They include:
- The judge will start by reading the charges against you. The judge wants to make sure you understand the nature of the charges you are facing.
- Then some other judge will ask you to enter a plea. You will either say that you are guilty, not guilty, or not contesting the charges. Remember that you should talk about this with your attorney beforehand.
- After you enter your plea, the judge will decide whether to grant you bail. If the judge decides to release you on your own recognizance, you will be let go without having to pay anything as long as you promise to appear for your trial. If the judge grants you bail, you may need to work with a bail bondsman to pay your bail to get out as quickly as possible.
- If the nature of your charges are particularly serious, the judge may decide to withhold bail and keep you in jail until trial.
After the arraignment process is done, you will work with your attorney to figure out exactly what happens next. That way, you can make sure that you put forth a strong defense and that your rights are protected.
Call the Kalis Law Firm for Help With Your Columbus Arraignment
If you are facing criminal charges in Columbus, you have the right to a criminal defense lawyer. We are, and we will make sure your rights are protected in Columbus. Contact us today for a case consultation.