An Attorney By Your Side at the First Appearance in Court
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by: arnoldbosel
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Word Count: 549
Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 Time: 7:55 AM
The first appearance you make in court in a criminal case should only be with an attorney in Frederick, MD by your side. Appearances in court are stressful hours and the attorney insures that you are treated in accordance with the law. The attorney is also gathering impressions, listening closely to what the judge and prosecutor has to say, and is constantly working on your defense.
When anyone has been arrested, the person can only be held for a reasonable amount of time without a first appearance. In most cases, that period has been set at 24 to 72 hours. A common misbelief is that a speedy trial means you get to have your day in court in a short period of time. That is not true any longer because people literally sit in city and county jails for over a year before a case is actually tried before a judge and/or jury. That is another reason why the first appearance was developed as a procedural event to insure you don't sit in jail for a long period of time without being formally charged in a court of law.
Fully Informed of Charges
The first appearance is merely where the charges against you are read. You are also told what your rights are under the law and are asked if you understand them. The attorney in Frederick, MD will insure that the legal proceedings follow the law or will object on your behalf. If you were arrested without a warrant, the judge will also make a determination as to whether there was probably cause for the arrest.
The first appearance usually happens quickly. The first appearance will include:
>> Reading of the charges against you
>> Explanation of possible penalties
>> Advisement of the legal rights to which he or she is entitled
>> Explanation of the right to have an attorney (you will indicate you have approved of a certain attorney in Frederick, MD to represent you)
>> Setting of preliminary hearing to determine if a crime has actually been committed
>> Setting of bail
Making Sure You Are Only Detained Lawfully
Though the first appearance may not take a long time, it does insure that you are advised of the charges and of your rights. This is important because we live in a country in which you are not allowed to be held in jail for more than a few days without being formally charged. This prevents the police and government from unlawfully detaining people without explaining why you are being detained.
The attorney in Frederick, MD will try to get you released on a bail before the actual trial date, and especially if it appears that the actual trial will not happen for many months. Many times it is family and friends who pay a percentage of the total bail set to a bail bondsman. The bondsman then issues a bond to the court promising you will appear when required. If you don't appear when required, the bondsman will attempt to locate you and bring you to court to avoid paying the bond value as penalty.
While you are in jail, knowing an attorney is working to defend your rights is important. In fact, an attorney is your quickest way out.
About the Author
The author of this article is working for a www.wardlawoffices.com. If you want to know more about Attorney Frederick, MD or Defense Attorney Fredrick, MD, than please visit the website linked here.
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