Booked & Processed

After you have been arrested, the police officer will bring you to the applicable police department. This is where you will be booked and processed. Depending on your particular charge, you may be held without bail or released by a justice of the peace with a court summons. 

Arraignment

If you are held without bail, you will remain in custody until your arraignment. An arraignment is your first court appearance for the crime you have been charged with. If you are released by a justice of the peace, you will receive a court summons with a date on it indicating your arraignment date. It is recommended that you seek legal advice as early as possible. 

Type of Crime

Depending on what you have been charged with, your case will either end up in District Court or Superior Court. Misdemeanors are handled in District Court and felonies are handled in Superior Court. Felony charges are considered more serious than misdemeanor charges. For example, misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and/or a $1,000.00 fine. On the other hand, felony cases can carry penalties of fines well over $1,000.00 and the possibility of life in prison. 

Resolution

Depending on the facts of the case, the matter may end in a variety of different ways. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you resolve your case in the manner that works best for you.