What is an Arraignment?

This is a question that our Spokane Criminal Lawyer gets asked all the time. The simplified explanation is that an arraignment starts your court process. It is at this time that the court will review your case for probable cause, make sure that the charging documents are sufficient, take your initial plea, and set release conditions. Our Spokane Criminal Lawyer can go into more detail than we will here.

Please note that some of you may have also had a first appearance, because you were arrested. You are still generally required to receive an arraignment as well. Sometimes these things occur at the same time. They also may cover the same issues. Again, we are just speaking in general here, and our Spokane Criminal Lawyer can go into more detail for your particular case.

If I Hire a Spokane Criminal Lawyer, Do I Still Have To Appear?

Maybe! For many cases our Spokane Criminal Lawyer can enter a Notice of Appearance on your behalf and state your plea. The court will then issue a new pre-trial court date. However there may be some issue that our Spokane Criminal Lawyer wants to discuss with the court or the prosecutor and you both may decide to go to the arraignment. Again, this is an issue to discuss with your Spokane Criminal Lawyer.

DUI and Domestic Violence Arraignments Your Appearance is Required

If you have been charged with DUI or Domestic Violence in Washington you are required to personally appear, even if you have hired a Spokane Criminal Lawyer. It is wise to have a lawyer with you at these particular arraignments as they tend to have harsher release conditions and requirements that can be set. Such as ignition interlock systems, mandatory chemical testing, and no contact orders. Talk to our Spokane Criminal Lawyer about this in the free one hour consultation.

Will I Have to Post a Bail Bond?

It just depends on: your individual case, your past criminal history, your warrant history, and a few other issues. The courts are essentially going to look at your risk of flight and the risk you pose to the community. Our Spokane Criminal Lawyer can help you examine this so you do not suffer any surprises, or so you can plan ahead.

What Other Release Conditions May Be Imposed On Me?

Common release conditions are: no contact with alleged victims or witnesses, no criminal law violations, and to stay in contact with your Spokane Criminal Lawyer. This is not an all inclusive list, but it covers the most frequent conditions. Sometimes the courts will require electronic home monitoring, or some form of it (GPS tracking), or restrict your ability to travel outside of the Spokane area. They may also order you to take part in some kind of ongoing chemical testing for drugs or alcohol. All of these are issues that our Spokane Criminal Lawyer can examine and explain to you. Our experience has been that many of these can be minimized or avoided. This is why it is generally a really good idea to have a Spokane Criminal Lawyer with you in court–especially in the beginning. As you may have guessed some of these conditions can be very costly.

OK I Got Charged, What Should I Do Next?

This is a no-brainer. Call our Spokane Criminal Lawyer. The one hour consultation is free. There are no strings, and no pressure. You are going to understand your risks, and what your starting options are. You are also going to get a quote on how much your defense will cost. Our Spokane Criminal Lawyer will give you a firm quote for our Simple-Flat-Fixed- Fee. Our Spokane Criminal Lawyer can also help you develop an affordable monthly payment plan that works for you and your family.

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