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Miami Criminal Defense Attorney / Blog / Criminal Defense / Miami Criminal Procedure 101: What is an “Arraignment” and Do I Need a Lawyer for My Arraignment Hearing in Miami?

Miami Criminal Procedure 101: What is an “Arraignment” and Do I Need a Lawyer for My Arraignment Hearing in Miami?

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Although many Miami residents and individuals likely have some familiarity with the criminal law process – perhaps by watching television shows like Law & Order, Cops, or by watching the process play out first-hand when a friend or family member is charged – there is no doubt that criminal procedure under Florida laws in Miami court can be confusing. Indeed, Florida laws are peppered with legalese, complex procedural rules, and terms that may be challenging for those who are unfamiliar with the process.

One of the key terms that comes up frequently when a person is charged with a crime in Miami is “arraignment.” The arraignment hearing is typically considered the first hearing in a Miami criminal case, and it is a very important part of the Miami criminal process. But what exactly is an “arraignment hearing” and is it important to have a lawyer on your side for your Miami arraignment hearing? To help Miami residents who have been charged with criminal charges in Miami, we answer those questions here.

What is an “Arraignment Hearing”? 

The Law Offices of the Public Defender in Miami explains what an arraignment hearing in Miami is. According to the Public Defender, “Arraignment is a court hearing at which the prosecutor announces whether the State Attorney’s Office (the State) is filing charges. If the State files charges, the judge explains to the defendant the nature of the charges and asks him or her to respond to the charges by entering a plea of guilty, no contest, or not guilty. In some cases, the prosecutor may offer to divert the case from the criminal court process into a pre-trial diversion program. If the client pleads not guilty, the case is scheduled for trial.” In sum, the arraignment hearing is typically the first hearing in a criminal case, and is the hearing in which the person facing criminal charges pleads guilty or not guilty.

Do I Need a Miami Criminal Attorney for My Miami Arraignment Hearing?

Having an experienced Miami criminal attorney on your side for your arraignment hearing is highly recommended. The arraignment hearing is a critical stage of the criminal case against you, and it is important that you have an experienced Miami criminal attorney guide you through the process and help you understand the charges against you and your rights and options under Florida criminal laws. Legal representation may be critical to fighting the charges against you. An experienced Miami criminal attorney can also negotiate terms for your bail or release. Accordingly, while you are not legally required to work with a lawyer, it is a good idea to do so, and may increase your chances of beating the criminal charges against you.

If you were charged with a crime in Miami and you need legal help, contact the experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm. The experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm are here to help individuals in Miami fight criminal charges against them. Do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Miami criminal attorney about your case today. Contact AsiliA Law Firm and discuss your case with a lawyer now.

Source:

pdmiami.com/public-defender/client-information/adult-case-process.page#:~:text=What%20is%20an%20arraignment?,case%20is%20scheduled%20for%20trial.

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