Calendar of Events

After an arrest and charges are filed in Municipal and Superior cases, there will be an initial arraignment hearing scheduled. In a New Jersey criminal case, an arraignment is a formal court proceeding during which a person will appear before a judge. During the first appearance, the judge dictates the charges and other information. This could also be the time in which the judge either releases an individual with conditions, or holds a person in jail.

At an arraignment hearing, the defendant will be asked if they have an attorney. If they do not, the court can appoint them a public defender. It is instrumental for service providers, families and individuals with disabilities to understand the arraignment process to know what to expect once faced with the decisions to plead guilty, no contest, or not guilty. It is important to be aware and knowledgeable of how to navigate the process of applying for a public defender or hiring a private attorney.

Attorney Kristin Redmond will provide detailed information regarding the process of attending an arraignment hearing, including what to expect from the judge dependent on indictable versus municipal charges, as well as how to apply for a public defender in both Municipal and Superior Courts.