The first court date after the charge is indicted or filed by "information" is called "arraignment". This is the appearance date given to the accused when he posts bail.

Arraignment serves several functions:

1) to formally identify you as the person charged;

2) to determine how you plea to the charge;

3) to identify your attorney, or, if you are unable to afford an attorney, to appoint an attorney to assist you in your defense; and

4) to advise the accused of pretrial and/or trial settings.

Some courts allow the accused to file a waiver of this proceeding through his attorney.

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*All answers are for people 21 years or older, do not involve enhancements, are not exclusive, and are limited to Texas.

**This page is for informational purposes ONLY and must not be relied upon as legal advice because it is NOT a substitute for the advice of a qualified attorney, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship.

Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.