Criminal Arraignment Procedures and Defendant's Rights

1. At your arraignment, you will be advised of the charge(s) filed against you.

2. The charge(s) against you will be read from the citation(s) or complaint(s). You will also be informed of the maximum penalties which may be imposed upon conviction of the charge(s). The Court must be certain that you have full understanding and knowledge of the nature of the charge(s) for which you have been cited and the penalties for which you are at risk.

3. You have the right to remain silent at this arraignment. You have the right not to speak and any statement you do make can be used against you. You have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you are in doubt as to how to proceed, the Court recommends you consult with an attorney.

4. If you are charged with a crime and are unable to hire an attorney to represent you, upon proper proof to the Court that you do not have sufficient assets, property, or resources, the Court may appoint an attorney to represent you. If convicted, the Court may assess the cost of the attorney to be paid by you.

5. At this arraignment, you will be asked to enter a plea. You may enter one of three pleas listed below, or no plea (if you do not enter a plea, the Court shall enter a plea of Not Guilty on your behalf):

• Guilty: You admit doing the act of which you are accused.
• No Contest: You do not want to contest the charge against you, and you admit that there is a factual and legal basis for the charge.
• Not Guilty: You deny doing the act of which you are accused.

6. On a plea of guilty or no contest, you will be given an opportunity to be heard.

7. On a plea of not guilty, a future trial date will be scheduled, and you will be given a fair and impartial trial. The Court and/or Jury will hear the evidence on both sides and a decision will be made as to your innocence or guilt.

8. You have certain constitutional rights. You have the right to a jury trial on a criminal charge. You have the right to cross examine any witness, including the arresting officer. You have the right to testify or not to testify, and the right to present witnesses on your behalf. You have the right to an attorney as discussed above.