If you have been charged with any type of criminal offense, you must know what your rights are under New Mexico law. Getting in touch with an experienced attorney can help you navigate through the brief hearing, known as an arraignment, which takes place after you have been arrested and booked. Criminal law attorney, Gary C. Mitchell, P.C., has helped many clients charged with a crime walk through the arraignment process.

Here’s what you need to know about the arraignment process in New Mexico:

• Bringing Legal Counsel: You have the right to appear alone or bring a lawyer with you. The judge will identify you as the person being charged with the crime and ask you whether you will plead not guilty. Since you will receive a written allegation of the crime committed and be required to confirm your identity, it helps to have a lawyer present.
• Responding To Charges: The judge may tell you the possible punishment for your crime. He or she will also request that you reply to the charges with a plea of being guilty, not guilty, or plead no contest. If you plead guilty, the judge can sentence you at this stage, but having a lawyer on your side can provide the support you need.
• Receiving Court Appearance & Bail Details: Unless you are being charged with a felony, the judge will provide a tentative appearance schedule. If this is a felony case, you will receive information about the preliminary hearing. At this stage, bail is established and you have the right to fight for a bail reduction. A police report and a complaint (discovery) may be presented to the defense attorney at this stage. Your lawyer can provide guidance on how to handle this part of the arraignment effectively.

Arraignment processes and policies vary from state to state. Learn more about what to expect at an arraignment by talking to criminal law attorney, Gary C. Mitchell, P.C., in Ruidoso, NM. Visit the law firm’s website, or call (575) 257-3070 for more information.