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Do I Need an Attorney at An Arraignment?
When an arrest occurs there are some legal steps that follow. The arraignment is the legal procedure that is used to formally charge a defendant. While you may have been arrested, there could be several or more charges pending. In an arraignment, the judge will provide you with the charge or charges against you and will set a date for the next legal procedure. The judge will also ask you to enter a plea to the charges.
Arraignment Process
The arraignment process is one of the most important aspects of your case. It can be particularly important to have an attorney to represent you during the arraignment. Your lawyer will review your situation and will discuss the details of the case with you. It may be possible for your attorney to speak with the prosecutor and in some cases the charges can be lowered or some charges may even be dropped. This can make a critical impact on the case.
Entering a Plea
During an arraignment the judge will ask you what your plea is in response to the charges. Defendants have several plea options including not guilty, guilty, and no contest. Before entering a plea it is critical that you discuss these options with your criminal attorney. Entering a not guilty plea allows the case to proceed through the legal system. A guilty plea means that you agree to the charges against you and can be sentenced accordingly. Always talk to your lawyer before considering your options.
Bail
If you have been held in jail the judge will likely set bail at the time of the arraignment. The bail is set based on many factors including the possibility of leaving the area. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant will return to court proceedings for the case. A lawyer will fight to have your bail reduced or even eliminated if possible. He can present reasons why the bail should be lowered. Once bail has been set the defendant has to post a portion of it, usually 10%, to be released. If you don’t have the money for bail you may be able to get help through a bail bondsman.
Defending Your Case
After the arraignment, you and your attorney will be able to review your case in more detail and begin to determine the best defense. A pretrial hearing will usually be set at which time your attorney will have access to the evidence against you. An experienced defense attorney will assist you at the arraignment and throughout the legal process to help get a favorable result. Your lawyer will help guide you through the situation and answer any questions you may have.
Decades of Trusted Service. Hundreds of Grateful Voices.
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“David Katz sets the standard by which all other defense attorney's must measure. He not only knows his craft and has the experience to back it up, he relishes forcing his opponents to follow the law towards the best outcome for his clients.”- Karate K.
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“Christine Vazquez took on our case with a 24hr commitment. She put everything on the line to hold the judicial system accountable.”- Phil W.
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“I can’t thank attorneys Christine Vazquez and David Katz enough for the incredible job they did on my DUI case.”- Gabriel H.
Why Hire Katz & Phillips?
Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:
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Board-Certified* Attorneys
Our founding attorneys are two of three board-certified* DUI defense lawyers in the state.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Decades of Experience
With more than 10,000 cases handled, our advocates are well versed in criminal law to help you navigate your case with care and efficiency.
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Always Responsive
Our team is available to take your call and address any questions or concerns you have.
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Financing Available
The last thing you need during a criminal case is financial stress. Our firm offers financing with no credit check required.
Meet Your Dedicated Defense Team
Led by two of Florida's Board-Certified* DUI Experts, Our attorneys bring together more than 50 years of success, defending clients across Florida against criminal and DUI charges.
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DUI Charges Reduced
The court deemed all other conditions satisfied so M.A. did not have to go on probation at all and walked out of courthouse with a fine and fees to pay, and the case behind her.
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Case Dismissed
J.A.R. had had a previous DUI conviction and was facing mandatory jail time if convicted of this offense. In reviewing the discovery provided by the state, our team found several issues with the police investigation, and realized that our clients’ rights had been violated.
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All Charges Dropped
In reviewing the evidence provided by the State our team realized that T.R.’s rights had been violated when she was immediately illegally arrested by the Trooper. Further, there were many other errors made by the Trooper which would result in the evidence gathered being suppressed.
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All Charges Dropped
In this case, our client, R.H., was out with friends. A family member who was angry with him tracked his location by tracking his cell phone, called the police, told them he was very drunk, and led the police right to his car. The officers stopped his car and eventually arrested him.
Our Case Results
Two of Florida’s only Board-Certified* DUI Defense experts fighting for you.
- DUI Charges Reduced
- Case Dismissed
- All Charges Dropped
- All Charges Dropped
