The Nevada Arraignment – Frequently Asked Questions

At The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm, we get a lot of questions about the Nevada arraignment process. So, we decided to answer the most frequently asked questions about Nevada arraignments here. When a prospective client comes in to meet with us, they are often confused or misinformed about what to expect at their arraignment. It is our opinion that it is important to know what to expect before you appear at your Nevada arraignment.

What is an arraignment?

An arraignment is a brief, initial court appearance after an arrest. It must be held within 48 hours, not including weekends and holidays if you are in police custody. If you are not in police custody, an arraignment can be held weeks or even months after you’ve been released. If a prosecutor wants to have an arraignment hearing, it means that the prosecutor believes there is sufficient evidence to show that you have committed a crime and that a criminal complaint has been filed.

What happens at a Nevada arraignment hearing?

When you appear at the arraignment, you will be in court with a number of other people, many of whom are also being arraigned. Sometimes, the courtroom can appear chaotic with many people moving about. This is not unusual. Do not be intimidated. Be sure to check in with the Court clerk or courtroom Marshal when you arrive. A failure to check in, could mean that the judge will not know you came to the arraignment which could result in a bench warrant being issued for you.

At your arraignment, if you have a lawyer, your case will be one of the first ones the judge looks at. But if you don’t hire a lawyer, you may wait all day for the judge. The same thing happens during a preliminary hearing, but instead of being in front of a judge, you’ll be talking to lawyers.

Be sure you dress appropriately for the district court. Business causal attire is the best bet for appearing in court. This will be the first time the prosecutor and the judge will see you. You want to be sure you give the impression that you know this matter is important and you are taking the allegations against you seriously.

When the judge calls your case, this will be your time to enter a plea of “guilty,” “not guilty” or “no contest.” The arraignment hearing is not the time to try to explain yourself to the judge, argue with the District Attorney or cross-examine witnesses. You should stick to entering your plea and getting your next district court date. Do not offer information at your arraignment hearing no matter how tempting it may be.

If you enter a guilty plea, chances are the judge will give you another date to come back for sentencing. If you enter a not guilty plea, you will either get a date for trial, or if you are charged with a felony, you will get a date for your preliminary hearing. Again, remember that the purpose of the arraignment is to enter your plea and get your next district court date. That is it.

Can I be arrested at my arraignment hearing?

It is possible that you could be arrested at the arraignment hearing. This can occur for a number of reasons. For example, the prosecutor may believe you are a flight risk and ask to raise your bail. In that case, you will be arrested and held until you can post additional bail. It may also be discovered that you have charges from another court or from another matter. In that case, you should expect to be re-arrested. These are just a few examples of why you might be arrested at your arraignment hearing.

Do I need an attorney at or before my arraignment hearing?

It is always best to have an attorney at your arraignment. If you cannot afford an attorney, you can ask the judge to appoint an attorney for you. It is important to remember that Court appointed attorneys are only given to those who do not qualify for a lawyer based on their finances. If the judge determines that you can afford an attorney, you can ask the judge to continue your hearing so that you have time to find and hire a lawyer.

Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney should help your case. We have written quite a few articles on hiring criminal defense attorneys and the benefits of having a lawyer on your side if you are charged with a crime. In short, having a lawyer at the arraignment can help with negotiations of your case, will show the judge you are serious about the charges and could end up in your case being dismissed quickly.

A criminal arrest is not something that should be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is facing a criminal arraignment, we can help.

General Queries

Understanding the Need for Representation: Determine if you require legal assistance with our article, Do You Need Legal Assistance for Misdemeanor Charges?
– The Arraignment Process: Navigate through The Nevada Arraignment – FAQ for answers to common questions about the initial court process.

Specific Charges

Felony Concerns

Delve into articles like Understanding Felonies in Nevada, Strategies for Winning Felony Cases, Q&A on Miranda Rights, and more.

Drug-related Offenses

Access comprehensive Q&A on Marijuana Possession and our Drug Possession Defense guide.

Firearms and Theft

Familiarize yourself with our Firearms Defense and Theft Defense content.

Sex Crimes

Consult our expert team of Sex Crime Defense Attorneys.

Traffic Violations

Review our detailed page on Nevada Traffic Tickets.

Solicitation & Prostitution

Read our guide titled, “Need Help with Solicitation Charges?“

Shoplifting Charges

Stay updated with “Understanding Nevada Shoplifting Laws.”

Special Situations

Juvenile Issues

If a minor is involved, refer to our articles on Juvenile Defense Lawyers and Expert Advice on Juvenile Charges.

Warrant Concerns

Our “Warrant Defense Attorneys” guide sheds light on how to address outstanding warrants.

Sealing Records

Learn the process with our “Comprehensive Guide to Sealing Criminal Records in Nevada.”

Remember, our website is a treasure trove of legal insights. Should you need personalized legal counsel, please connect with us.

Why You Haven’t Already Hired a Defense Attorney to Help You

Watch this short video to take the next big step toward defending your rights against your felony charge.

Offsite Resources You May Find Helpful

Here are some resources that can provide more information and support for those facing an arraignment in Nevada:

State Bar of Nevada: The official site of the Nevada State Bar, providing resources including a lawyer referral service.
Nevada Courts: The official website of the Nevada Judiciary, with resources on court processes, forms, and locations.
Nevada Law Help: This site provides resources and self-help materials for a variety of legal issues, including criminal law.
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada: This non-profit law firm provides free legal counsel for low-income individuals, including assistance with criminal cases.
Avvo: Avvo offers a Q&A forum where users can ask legal questions and get answers from lawyers, as well as a directory of lawyers by specialty.
FindLaw – Criminal Law: FindLaw provides free legal information, a lawyer directory, and other resources related to criminal law and procedures.

What’s Next?

Are you in Las Vegas and need help defending yourself from criminal charges and need to hire a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney?

Look no further than The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm. We understand how stressful it can be to face criminal charges; that’s why we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive defense at every stage of the process.

With experienced attorneys, up-to-date knowledge of local laws, and an unwavering commitment to protecting your rights – you can rest assured that we have everything it takes for success.

Make sure your case is in good hands – give us a call today at (702) 433-2889!