What to Expect in Court

Facing a criminal charge can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to expect in court — and how your Public Defender will guide you through each step.

Quick Guide: What to Expect in Court

Arraignment
(First Court Date)

  • A Public Defender is with you.
  • The judge sets bond (bail and any conditions).
  • Your lawyer usually enters a Not Guilty plea for you.
  • You’ll leave with paperwork for your next court date.

If Misdemeanor

  • Next step: Pretrial Conference.
  • Decide whether to accept a plea or go to trial.
  • If you plead guilty, the judge confirms your choice before sentencing.
  • If you go to trial, a jury of 6 (or the judge) decides.

If Felony

  • Next steps: PCC → Preliminary Exam → Circuit Court.
  • The case can resolve by plea or proceed to trial.
  • At trial, a jury of 12 (or the judge) decides the verdict.

Sentencing

  • If you plead or are found guilty, probation prepares a report for the judge.
  • The judge hears from you, your lawyer, the prosecutor, and any victims.
  • The judge then announces the sentence.

What to Expect in Court – Detailed

Arraignment
(First Court Date)

  • This is your first appearance in court.
  • A Public Defender will be there with you.
  • Before court, your lawyer will:
    • Get your contact and background info.
    • Explain your charges and possible penalties.
    • Go over your rights.
    • Talk with you about bond (bail).
  • In court, your lawyer usually enters a Not Guilty plea for you.
  • The judge sets your bond (amount and conditions, like no drugs/alcohol or no contact with a victim) based on things like the seriousness of the charge, your record, and ties to the community.
  • You’ll leave with paperwork for your next court date.
  • In some very minor cases, your lawyer may be able to resolve your case that same day.

After Arraignment
(Misdemeanors)

  • Your next hearing is a Pretrial Conference.
  • Before that, your lawyer will review police reports and evidence, and talk to the prosecutor about possible plea deals.
  • At Pretrial, you and your lawyer decide:
    • Accept a plea, or
    • Go to trial (jury or judge).
  • If you plead guilty, the judge will ask you questions to make sure it’s your free choice and that you understand your rights.
  • If you go to trial, the process includes jury selection, witnesses, evidence, closing arguments, and a verdict.
  • If found guilty (or if you plead), the judge may order a Presentence Report by probation before sentencing.
  • At sentencing, you, your lawyer, the prosecutor, probation, and any victims may speak before the judge gives the sentence.

After Arraignment
(Felonies)

  • Two hearings are scheduled in District Court:
    1. Probable Cause Conference (PCC): A check-in to discuss evidence, plea offers, or next steps.
    2. Preliminary Examination: The prosecutor must show enough evidence to move the case forward. You can also waive this step and go straight to Circuit Court.
  • Once in Circuit Court:
    • You will have another arraignment (can be waived by form).
    • The court holds Pretrial Conferences to see if the case can be resolved by plea.
    • If no plea, the case goes to Jury Trial with 12 jurors.
  • If you plead guilty or are found guilty:
    • A Pre-sentence Investigation Report (PSI) is prepared by probation with your background, history, and sentencing guideline scoring. This report gives the judge background information and recommendations before sentencing.
    • At Sentencing, you, your lawyer, the prosecutor, probation, and any victims may speak. The judge then gives the sentence.

Key Takeaways

  • A Public Defender is with you from your first court date onward.
  • You always have the right to discuss plea offers or go to trial.
  • Sentencing usually comes after either a plea or a guilty verdict, and the judge makes the final decision.