An officer will write a report following His/Her investigation. The officer will then forward the report to the city or county prosecutor who will file the case. The court case against you begins with your arraignment. This hearing is set to advise you of the charges against you and to consider what, if any, conditions my apply to your continued release. Your attorney will enter a plea of Not Guilty at the Arraignment. The judge will order the conditions of your release and will set your bail amount. Your Attorney will seek to minimize the restrictions placed upon your freedom and the amount of bail required. In the weeks and months that follow there will be a number of court dates preceding your trial. During this period, your attorney’s skills inside and outside of the courtroom will be vital in determining whether you are able to avoid trial by seeking to have your case dismissed, or by negotiating a more favorable resolution to your case. The chart below shows this process.
| ARREST AND/OR POLICE REPORT FILED | ||
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| Civil Case - Administrative Hearing Department of Licensing (DUI) |
All Misdemeanor Criminal Cases District or Municipal Court |
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| Arraignment Enter Plea of Not Guilty AND Set conditions of release AND Set Pre-trial Hearing date |
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| Pretrial Hearing Enter Disposition or Deferred OR Set case for Motions or Trial OR Continue for Further investigation |
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| Motion Hearing argue for suppression of evidence |
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| Readiness Hearing Confirm ready for trial |
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| Judge or Jury Trial | ||
