What happens after an arrest?
Once a criminal complaint has been issued or an arrest made, the abuser will be charged with the crime or crimes at an arraignment proceeding in the District Court. A bail hearing will be held to determine whether the defendant/abuser will be released from custody, the court must make a reasonable effort to notify you of the release, even if you are not present in court.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IF THE DEFENDANT DOES NOT BAIL, THE ENTIRE TIME DESCRIBED BELOW WILL SPENT IN JAIL. You have the right to an arraignment, without unnecessary delay. This is usually 3 business days – not calendar days – after an arrest. At the arraignment you will appear before the court and the judge will formally tell you the charges being brought against you. This is where a lawyer will be appointed to you if you can not afford one. This is also where your bail may be increased or reduced if you have not already bailed out. Finally, this is where you will plead guilty or not guilty. Within 10 business days, if your misdemeanor charges are not dropped a trial will begin. Within 10 business days, if your felony charges are not dropped a preliminary hearing will begin. At the preliminary hearing the district attorney must present sufficient evidence to convince the judge that a felony was committed and that you did it. If the felony charges are not dropped at the preliminar
