Being charged with a crime and finding yourself facing a complicated, confusing legal system is incredibly daunting, especially for people who've never been in trouble with the law before. The criminal law attorneys at Watson Law Firm in Harrison, AR, know how difficult this experience can be, so they're here to explain what you can expect at your first court appearance.

Every criminal case consists of several phases and, depending on the severity of your case, you may be expected to appear in court several times before a resolution is reached. In most cases, the first time you go to court will be for an arraignment, where the judge will advise you of the charges against you and advise you of your right to an attorney. No matter how minor the charges against you may be, it's always in your best interest to have a lawyer represent you, rather than trying to win the case on your own.

Next, you'll be required to enter a plea. You can either plead not guilty, guilty, or no contest, also known as “nolo contendere.” Once the court has registered your plea, a court date is set and, in some states, the conditions of your release are established. Depending on a variety of factors, the judge may decide to release you on your own recognizance, set a bail amount, or require that you remain in jail until your trial.

If you need a criminal or family law attorney, visit Watson Law Firm online or call (870) 704-4037 to schedule a consultation.