The arraignment is the first court hearing in your criminal case when you are allowed to enter a plea and when the judge sets your bail. There may be instances where you need to have your arraignment rescheduled. Here’s what to know and how to get legal assistance after you’re arrested for a crime.
Why Would You Want To Reschedule Your Arraignment?
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes unexpected emergencies or illness can prevent you from attending your scheduled arraignment. Whether it’s a sudden illness, family emergency, or any other unforeseen circumstance, the court generally understands that these situations are out of your control.
In other cases, you may have pre-existing commitments or appointments scheduled that conflict with your arraignment date and time. For example, you may have previously made medical appointments, work-related obligations, or family events that cannot be easily rearranged.
You might also need more time to hire a qualified criminal defense attorney so you can be represented at the arraignment. In this case, rescheduling can help make sure that you have all the information and support necessary to make informed decisions about your plea and legal strategy.
Steps To Reschedule Your Arraignment
First and foremost, you should contact the court or your legal representative as soon as possible to inform them of your need to reschedule. Provide them with all the relevant details, such as your case number, the date and time of your original arraignment, and a clear explanation of the reason for rescheduling.
Note that different courts usually have their own specific process and requirements for rescheduling arraignments. Make sure to find out what the process is at your courthouse and familiarize yourself with it so you can follow it to a T.
Potential Consequences
While rescheduling may be a necessity, there may be consequences, like:
- Extra court fees. The court may impose fees for processing your rescheduling request, and these can vary depending on the jurisdiction.
- Delays in the legal process. Rescheduling your arraignment may lead to added wait times as the court adjusts its schedule to accommodate your request. This could impact the overall timeline of your case and may extend the duration of your legal proceedings.
- Changes to bail or release conditions. If you were previously released on bail or other conditions, rescheduling your arraignment may require you to comply with additional terms while awaiting the new arraignment date.
Get legal help after an arrest by contacting Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer Michael T. Rabideau at (561) 820-4848.
