Your first court date is called
the arraignment, at which the Court will accept a plea of guilty,
not guilty, or no contest. A plea of guilty admits commission
of the crime. A plea of no contest, like a plea of guilty, indicates
to the Court that you do not wish to contest the charges against
you. A plea of not guilty denies the accusations and demands
that the matter be set for a trial at which the government carries
the burden of proving its case against you. Should you decide
to enter a plea of Guilty or No Contest at the arraignment,
the Court will make you aware of the very important Constitutional
Rights which you are giving up in doing so. In all criminal
cases, the State has the obligation to prove your guilt beyond
a reasonable doubt. You do not have to prove your innocence.
Entry of a plea other than Not Guilty, relieves the State of
their burden to prove your guilt. Entry of a plea of guilty
or no contest sacrifices the very important rights you have
to explain your side of the story regarding criminal charges
filed against you. Once your plea has been entered, the Court
is free to impose a sentence at its own discretion.
Hiring an attorney prior to the arraignment will eliminate your need
to appear at the arraignment. Your attorney can file a Written Plea of
Not Guilty, Notice of Appearance as your attorney and Waiver of your
Appearance at the arraignment.
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