1. On both felonies and misdemeanors the accused is taken
before the judge/magistrate for arraignment. The charges and
maximum penalties are read. The judge will make sure the
defendant understands the charges and penalty as well as the
defendant’s right that go with the charge.
2. On misdemeanor offenses, the defendant is allowed to plead
guilty at arraignment and be sentenced.
3. If the defendant pleads not guilty he/she will be given a
pretrial conference date where he/she will meet with the city
attorney/prosecutor.
4. If the misdemeanor is not resolved at the pretrial
conference, the case would be set for trial by either a judge or
jury.
5. On felony arraignments, the court will not allow the
defendant to plead guilty without an attorney representing
him/her.
6. Upon arraignment of a felony, the defendant is given a
court date for a preliminary examination which is typically held
within fourteen (14) days.
7. The examination’s purpose is to weed out weak cases not
fit for a full blown trial, thus the prosecutor must prove to
the judge’s satisfaction that there is probable cause a felony
was committed and probable cause that it is "this" defendant. If
this is established, the defendant is bound over to Circuit
Court by the District Judge for a full trial.
59th District Court
