First Appearance

If arrested, you have the right to appear before a judge within 48 hours of your arrest.

The judge will then advise you of the charges for which you have been arrested and determine if the police had a sufficient legal basis to arrest you. This is also referred to as a probable cause determination.

If the judge determines there is probable cause to hold you, the judge will ask if you wish to be represented by an attorney and, if so, whether you intend to hire private counsel.

The judge will then decide if a bond is appropriate in your case, and if so, how much to set the bond at.