In Need of a Federal Arrest Indictment & Arraignment Lawyer in San Diego, CA?
At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our federal criminal defense attorney in San Diego, Patrick Griffin, understands that the federal indictment and arraignment process in California can be an overwhelming scenario for anyone.
Our skilled San Diego County federal criminal defense lawyer represents individuals in California facing federal indictments and arraignment, so they understand their legal rights and options to make informed decisions about the direction of their cases.
Here, we discuss how the federal arrest indictment and arraignment process works.
What is a Federal Arrest & Indictment?
According to the Offices of the United States Attorneys, when a person is indicted, they are given formal notice that it is believed they committed a crime. The indictment contains the basic information that informs the person of the charges against them.
A federal indictment is a formal criminal charge against an individual or entity. It is issued by a grand jury, a group of 23 citizens who determine if there is enough evidence that a person or company has committed a federal crime.
If most jurors decide there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial, the grand jury will issue a formal indictment. An indictment is a formal accusation, not a conviction, and is one of the first steps a U.S. Attorney can take to bring a case to trial.
At this stage, anyone indicted should seek skilled legal representation to ensure their rights are protected throughout the legal process. Contact our dedicated federal defense attorneys in San Diego to ensure you can navigate the next steps of the legal process with precision.
What Happens During a Federal Arraignment in California?
Either the same day or the day after a defendant is arrested and charged, he or she is brought before a magistrate judge for an initial hearing on the case. At that time, the defendant learns more about his or her rights and the charges against him or her and is asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
The judge then decides if the defendant will be held in prison or released until the trial.
In many cases, the law allows the defendant to be released from prison before a trial if they meet the requirements for bail. Before the judge decides on whether to grant bail, they must hold a hearing to learn facts about the defendant, including how long the defendant has lived in the area, if they have family nearby, prior criminal record, and if they have threatened any witnesses. The judge also considers the defendant’s potential danger to the community.
Our skilled federal defense lawyer can request a bail or detention hearing during the arraignment to argue for your release before trial if necessary. We can argue why you should not be considered a flight risk or a danger to the community.
Our California federal defense attorney will ensure that all procedural requirements are followed during the arraignment. This includes ensuring that the charges are accurately presented and that you clearly understand the proceedings, helping you craft responses that protect your interests while still complying with legal requirements.
Partnering with a federal defense lawyer during a federal arraignment is essential to protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and make informed decisions that align with your best interests throughout the criminal proceedings.
Contact Our Skilled San Diego Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Contact our skilled San Diego federal criminal defense attorney to learn more about your legal rights, the best way to minimize your damages, and how we accomplish favorable outcomes for each of our client’s unique needs by calling 619-269-2131 to discuss the details of your case today. Do not leave your future to chance. We can help.
