Pre-trial, the next court appearance after Arraignment
Whether you were arrested or not, the principal purpose of your first appearance in the District Court after a criminal Complaint has issued against you, or in the Supreior Court after an Indictment has been returned against you, will be to conduct an Arraignment.
Other matters may be addressed. I advise everyone charged with any criminal offense in the Superior Court to consult with
a criminal defense lawyer. The remainder of what is said here pertains only to the District Court.
In some cases, the next step after arraignment could be a hearing of some sort. For instance, a bail hearing might follow arraignment almost immediately. In some serious cases a "dangerousness hearing" might be scheduled, either immediately or within a few days after arraignment. Either a bail hearing or a dangerousness hearing could result in a deprivation of your liberty. Some cases might be resolved on day of the arraignment, usually after negotiations with a prosecutor. However, in the great majority of cases, a defendant (the person charged with a crime) is released by the District Court under an obgligation to appear again for "Pre-trial," usually about three or four weeks later. One purpose of the interval is to give the defendant time to consult with a criminal lawyer. It is a good idea.
When you appear at court for "Pre-trial," you (or your defense lawyer) will discuss your case with a prosecutor. There is little pressure at the Pre-trial. The meeting with the prosecutor is somewhat informal. Many things might be discussed. Some cases are completely resolved at the first "pre-trial" (this can only happen upon terms that you are willing to accept). But often a return to court is necessary. Your defense lawyer might present a Motion to Dismiss the Complaint for various legal reasons, or a Motion to Suppress some or all of the evidence against you, or a motion to obtain more information about the case, etc. Eventually, if the case has not been resolved or dismissed, you have a right to a trial.
copyright 2014
Russell J. Redgate