Frequently Asked Arraignments Questions

Get your questions regarding your arraignment answered by contacting a New York arraignment attorney today.

What is an arraignment?

Following an arrest for any crime, an arraignment hearing is held within 24 hours after your arrest. At this hearing you will be formally charged with the crime you were arrested for and you will be asked to plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. Bail will either be set, no bail allowed, or you will be released on your own recognizance. Having a New York arraignment attorney from H. Benjamin Perez & Associates, P.C. at your side can make the difference in the outcome of your hearing.

Why do I need an attorney?

The arraignment is the first step in the criminal justice system that you will be taking. If you are unrepresented at this time or are given a public defender, your chances of being allowed to be released until your case goes further into the system could be imperiled. With a successful and skilled attorney from our firm, you can trust that we will do our utmost to protect your freedom.

What happens if I have to pay bail?

If the judge sets a certain amount of bail for you to pay in order to be released until your next appearance in court, our firm will help you meet with a bail bondsman in order to work out how you can obtain the funds necessary to get released on bail. Once that is taken care of, your attorney will schedule the next legal step in your defense.

Why do some people have such a high bail and others none?

The arraignment will review the charges against you and your prior record. If it appears the charges are of a serious and violent nature, bail may be set at a high limit for two reasons; to avoid a flight risk and also to prevent someone from getting free on bail as they can't come up with the large amount. Individuals with prior convictions may find they are less likely to have bail allowed, or if they are a flight risk.