What happens after a person (the defendant) has been arrested?
Answer
The defendant is brought before the court for an initial hearing. The court will advise the defendant of the charges against him/her and their rights. Normally, the Judge automatically enters a plea of “not guilty.” A bond may or may not be set. The court will advise the defendant about the right to have an attorney represent him/her and if the defendant requests an appointed attorney, the court will make a determination about the defendant’s ability to pay for an attorney. Finally, the court will set and provide the defendant with future court hearing dates.