What Happens After an Arrest?
Once a person is faced with a criminal charge and taken into custody, an arraignment is usually scheduled in district court. The District Court is responsible for handling felony and misdemeanor cases. This is where the defendant, which is the person who is now in police custody, is formally read their charges and is usually informed as to whether they are able to bail out if they haven’t been provided that option already. The arraignment is also where the judge will question whether or not the defendant intends on hiring a criminal defense attorney if they haven’t done so already and could even accept the defendants plea.
Important Information Regarding Bail
According to the Rhode Island Judiciary site, there are a few procedures you should know about if you are posting bail for a loved one or on behalf of yourself.
- Pursuant to G.L. 1956 § 2-13-10, any balance of bail funds available after the payment of restitution, fines, and costs, or any other assessments issued by any court within the Rhode Island Judiciary, must be refunded to the defendant or the person who posted the money on behalf of the defendant.
- You must have a license or a Rhode Island Identification Card to post bail if you are a party posting bail for a defendant at the court
- If you post bail for a defendant at the prison or at the police station with a Bail Commissioner (Justice of the Peace), any paid fees are non-refundable and are not considered part of your bail.
- Under G.L. 1956 § 12-10-2(d), a person arrested is afforded the opportunity to be arraigned and released on bail by a Bail Commissioner (Justice of the Peace), when appropriate, if taken into custody when court is not in session.
What Happens After the Arraignment?
Once the arraignment concludes, another court date is usually scheduled where the defendant and their Rhode Island defense lawyer present their side of the case, identifying whether or not they are accepting the plea deal. If you choose not to accept the plea deal offered, the judge may set another court date for you to provide further evidence as to why you aren’t accepting this offer. And if you haven’t hired a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer for your loved or for yourself, this would be the ideal time to do so as you are going to be expected to plead a strong and solid case.
Criminal charges vary in severity but for the most part, they have the potential to change your entire life. You want to place your trust in a professional who truly has your back and best interest in mind. The defense attorneys featured right here on our site care about their clients and will fight for the charges to be reduced or even dismissed. Give us a call here at USAttorneys today and let us help you find the perfect lawyer.
