If you face criminal charges in Chandler, the arraignment will likely be your first formal court appearance. For many people, this hearing creates anxiety because it marks their first time standing before a criminal court judge. However, when you understand what happens at an arraignment, you can approach the process with greater confidence and clarity.

At Guardian Law, we guide clients through every stage of the Arizona criminal court process. Below, we explain how arraignments work in Chandler and what you should expect.

What Is an Arraignment?

An arraignment formally begins your court case. During this hearing, the judge does not decide guilt or innocence. Instead, the court focuses on procedure and scheduling.

Specifically, the judge will:

• Inform you of the charges filed against you
• Advise you of your constitutional rights
• Ask you to enter a plea
• Set future court dates
• Review or address release conditions

Although the hearing often moves quickly, it plays an important role because it transitions your case into the pretrial phase.

When Does the Arraignment Take Place?

The timing depends on how prosecutors initiated the case.

After a Citation

If an officer cited and released you—for example, in certain misdemeanor cases—the citation lists your arraignment date. Therefore, you must appear in court on that date unless your attorney appears on your behalf.

After an Arrest

If officers arrested you and took you into custody, the court will first hold an initial appearance within 24 hours. After prosecutors formally file charges, the court schedules the arraignment.

In Felony Cases

In felony cases, prosecutors usually present evidence to a grand jury. If the grand jury issues an indictment, the Superior Court schedules the arraignment. Alternatively, if the court finds probable cause at a preliminary hearing, the case proceeds to arraignment.

Because missing an arraignment can lead the judge to issue a bench warrant, you must take this date seriously.

What Happens During the Arraignment Hearing?

Although misdemeanor and felony procedures differ slightly, the structure remains similar.

1. The Judge Calls the Case

First, the judge calls your name and confirms your identity. The prosecutor appears on behalf of the State of Arizona.

2. The Court States the Charges

Next, the judge states the charges filed against you. These may include misdemeanor offenses such as DUI or assault. Alternatively, the case may involve felony allegations such as aggravated assault, drug possession for sale, robbery, or weapons misconduct.

If the state alleges a dangerous offense or prior convictions, the judge will also address those allegations.

3. The Judge Advises You of Your Rights

The court then explains your constitutional rights, including:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to hire an attorney
• The right to a trial
• The right to confront witnesses

At this stage, working with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Arizona ensures that you understand and protect those rights from the outset.

4. You Enter a Plea

The judge will ask how you plead. In most cases, defendants enter a plea of “not guilty” at arraignment.

By entering a not guilty plea, you:

• Preserve all legal defenses
• Allow your attorney to review the evidence
• Maintain the right to challenge the prosecution’s case
• Keep negotiation and trial options open

Importantly, you do not need to resolve your case at this hearing.

5. The Court Sets Future Dates

Finally, the judge schedules pretrial conferences and other important deadlines. These dates guide the next phase of the case.

Release Conditions and Bond Review

If the court has not already set release conditions, the judge may address them during arraignment. For example, the court may order:

• No contact with an alleged victim
• Drug or alcohol testing
• Travel restrictions
• Firearm restrictions
• Installation of an ignition interlock device in DUI cases

In felony cases, the judge may also review bond. Therefore, strong advocacy at this stage can directly affect whether you remain out of custody while your case moves forward.

What the Arraignment Does Not Include

Many people mistakenly believe the court will hold a trial or impose a sentence at arraignment. However, that does not happen.

The arraignment does not involve:

• Witness testimony
• Presentation of evidence
• Cross-examination
• Sentencing

Instead, the hearing simply moves the case forward into the pretrial process.

What Happens After the Arraignment?

After arraignment, your case enters the pretrial phase. This stage often shapes the ultimate outcome.

During pretrial proceedings:

• The prosecution provides discovery, including reports and video evidence
• Your attorney reviews the evidence in detail
• The defense may file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
• Negotiations may begin
• Trial preparation starts, if necessary

Because this phase determines strategy, early and thorough preparation becomes critical.

At Guardian Law, we approach every case with a proactive defense plan. Whether the charges involve violent crimes, drug offenses, weapons charges, robbery, or white collar crime defense, we analyze the evidence immediately and build leverage from the start.

Why Representation at Arraignment Matters

Although the arraignment may seem procedural, it sets the tone for your case. When you have strong legal representation:

• You fully understand the charges
• You protect your rights immediately
• You address release conditions strategically
• You establish a defense plan early

As a result, early representation often creates better long-term outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for my arraignment in Chandler?

Yes. While the law allows you to represent yourself, hiring a criminal defense attorney significantly improves your ability to protect your rights and build a strategy from the beginning.

Can I go to jail at my arraignment?

In misdemeanor cases, defendants rarely go to jail at arraignment if they were previously released. However, in felony cases, custody depends on bond and release conditions.

Can my attorney appear for me?

In many misdemeanor cases, your attorney may appear on your behalf. In most felony cases, however, the court requires your presence.

How long does an arraignment take?

Most arraignments last only a few minutes. However, you may spend additional time waiting for the court to call your case.

Strategic Criminal Defense in Chandler

Although the arraignment serves a procedural purpose, it marks a critical turning point in your case. The decisions you make at this stage can influence everything that follows.

At Guardian Law, we defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Chandler and Maricopa County. We provide aggressive advocacy, detailed case analysis, and clear communication at every stage of the criminal court process.

Call Guardian Law today at (602) 888-8020 for a confidential consultation.