Arraignment & Bond Hearings in Michigan

An arraignment hearing is the start of your criminal case. The arraignment is the first stage in the process of being formally charged with a crime. The purpose of the arraignment is to inform you of the criminal charges against you and to review your bail. The arraignment satisfies your 6th Amendment right to be informed of the crime for which you are charged. Although not necessary, it can be extremely helpful to have a criminal defense lawyer present at the arraignment.

For a detailed explanation of the importance of the arraignment, contact Patrick S. Fragel, Attorney at Law, P.C.

After the arraignment, there is a pretrial conference, preliminary examination, and jury trial for every felony charge. Your constitutional rights are put to test at each hearing. These rights are key in building your criminal defense strategy. Whether you are charged with drunk driving, domestic violence, possession of drugs, or a violent felony, you have basic trial rights. The arraignment is a key point in the criminal case.

At the arraignment, you are advised of these basic rights:

• To plead guilty, not guilty, or stand mute.
• To have a trial by a jury of your peers, or to be tried by an impartial Judge.
• To have the assistance of an attorney.
• You have the right to a court-appointed attorney, if you are indigent. However, the Court can order you to repay the expense of the court-appointed attorney.
• To call witnesses to speak for you at trial. The Court will order witnesses to come to Court if you request.
• To see, hear and question all witnesses against you at trial.
• To be a witness for yourself or to remain silent. If you choose not to testify, the prosecutor cannot comment on your refusal to testify.
• The right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Patrick S. Fragel is a former prosecutor. He welcomes questions concerning the arraignment and bond hearing or any other aspect of your criminal case. He is currently a criminal defense lawyer in Traverse City, serving the Upper Peninsula and surrounding counties.

If you are being investigated or have been charged with a crime, call Patrick for straight answers. You can reach Patrick S. Fragel, Attorney at Law, P.C. online or by calling 231-933-7030.