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****This is a very brief, general guide intended
to allow a layman to get an idea of the legal process in Texas criminal
law. "Legalese" and other gobbledegook is limited.
ARRAIGNMENT
The first court date after the charge is indicted or filed
by "information" is called "arraignment". This is the
appearance date given to the accused when he posts bail.
Arraignment serves several functions:
1) to formally identify you as the person charged;
2) to determine how you plea to the charge;
3) to identify your attorney, or, if you are unable to
afford an attorney, to appoint an attorney to assist you in your defense;
and
4) to advise the accused of pretrial and/or trial settings.
The Texas Legislature in 2001 finally mandated that every
court allow the accused to file a waiver of this proceeding through his
attorney, saving valuable time for everyone.
Back to Criminal Defense
in General
*All answers are for people 21 years or older, do not involve enhancements,
are not exclusive, and are limited to Texas.
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