One of the most frequently asked questions by my clients is “Do I have to go to arraignment?” If my office has been retained, the answer is – absolutely not! Attending arraignment is, without a doubt, a tremendous waste of time. However, if you have not retained an attorney, or, if your attorney hasn’t filed the appropriate documents, failure to appear at arraignment could result in a warrant for your arrest been issued. Clients often ask, “Is there a benefit to attending arraignment?” Once again, absolutely not! Nothing very exciting takes place at arraignment and my office will enter a plea of not guilty on your behalf. Routinely, the only people that appear at arraignment are those who are NOT represented by counsel.
