Arraignment, also known as the Advisement of Rights Hearing, is your first court date. During this brief court procedure, the judge will explain the charges filed against you and ask whether you would like a lawyer to help you through the court process. If you cannot afford to hire a private lawyer, the judge will assign one.

You will need to follow the following steps for your arraignment:

• Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled court hearing to fill out paperwork.
• Dress appropriately for court.  Click here to see the Court's dress code.
• An Intake Officer will help you fill out your paperwork.
• Cases are not called in any particular order.
• Listen for your name to be called by the Sheriff’s Deputy.  You should not leave the courtroom area at any time, unless absolutely necessary.
• The judge will advise you of your charge(s) and review your paperwork.
• You will be given a second court date for your adjudication.

Adjudication is your trial.  An attorney will represent you and present evidence for your case, and you will plead guilty or not guilty. Witnesses may be asked to speak in court to determine the outcome of your case.

Disposition is your sentencing. Dispositions vary from case to case, but they may include the following:

• Probation
• Detention time (Juvenile Detention Center, commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice, or time in an Adult Detention Center if you are over 18)
• Fine(s)
• Restitution
• Loss/Suspension of License
• Community Service hours
• Completion of certain programs
• Individual or Family Counseling
• Essays
• Apology Letters
• Substance Abuse treatment