Criminal Arraignment

At your arraignment, the judge will:

• Inform you of the charges against you.
• Answer questions about the court process.
• Ask you to enter a plea.
• Schedule your next court date, if needed.
• Decide release conditions.

Many cases require additional hearings to allow the Prosecutor’s Office time to gather police reports, driving records, contact alleged victims, or obtain restitution information.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

You may:

• Represent yourself.
• Hire an attorney.
• Request a court-appointed attorney if eligible (you may be required to pay some or all associated costs).

During your case, you have the right to:

• Remain silent — you are not required to make statements about the case.
• Be represented by an attorney or have one appointed, if you qualify.
• Be presumed innocent, unless the State proves you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Have a trial where the State must present evidence.
• Confront and cross-examine witnesses.
• Ask the Court to issue subpoenas, at no cost, to require witnesses to appear.
• Appeal a guilty verdict to a higher court.

At arraignment, you must enter one of the following pleas:

Guilty

• You admit the charges.
• A conviction will appear on your record.
• The judge will impose a sentence.

No Contest

• You do not admit guilt but do not contest the charges.
• If accepted, you will be found guilty and sentenced.
• A conviction will appear on your record.

⚠️ Note: If you plead guilty or no contest, you waive your constitutional rights. Sentencing usually occurs the same day.

Not Guilty

• You deny the charges and require the State to prove them.
• A Pre-Trial Conference will be scheduled.
• At that time, you may review police reports, discuss the case with the Prosecutor, or proceed to trial.

This plea keeps your options open — you can change it later.

You will not receive a harsher sentence for pleading not guilty at arraignment.

⚠️ Note: Attendance at every court date is mandatory. If you fail to appear, the Court may issue a warrant and add a Failure to Appear charge.

At the Pre-Trial Conference

• You (and your lawyer, if you have one) may discuss your case with the Prosecutor.
• You may review the police report.
• The Prosecutor will advise you of the sentence they intend to recommend if you are found guilty.

Options at Pre-Trial

• Accept a plea agreement: Change your plea to guilty or no contest and resolve the case.
• Enter a plea directly to the Court: Without a plea agreement, the judge may impose any legal sentence.
• Reject the plea agreement: Your case will move forward to a status hearing and trial.

Preparing for Trial

Before trial, you should:

• Gather evidence and prepare exhibits (photos, maps, documents, etc.).
• Request subpoenas for witnesses. You must provide an address and phone number if available.
• Attend your status hearing to confirm readiness.

What Happens at Trial?

• The Prosecutor presents the State’s case, including witnesses and evidence.
• You may cross-examine State witnesses.
• You may present your own witnesses and evidence.
• The judge or jury decides the verdict.

Trial Outcomes

• Not Guilty: No conviction; any bond posted will be refunded.
• Guilty: A conviction will be entered, and the judge may sentence you immediately or at a later hearing.

Right to Appeal

If convicted, you may file a Notice of Appeal within 14 days. The appeal is a review by the Mohave County Superior Court; it is not a new trial.