What happens when I go to court?
Your first setting in court is called the arraignment. This is where the judge calls you up to the bench and reads what you are charged with and what the range of punishment is for that offense. He or she will then ask if you want to have time to hire an attorney. Your case can then be reset to give you time to secure an attorney. In many counties, including Harris County, the District Attorney's office has an "open file policy" which allows criminal defense attorneys the opportunity to review the police report, photos, etc located in the DA's file from the onset of the criminal case. The first time your attorney goes to court will be the first time he/she has the opportunity to read through the District Attorney's file. At this time, the DA usually makes an offer, or a plea bargain, to try to take care of the case before trial. There may be several court settings before your case is resolved, especially if your case goes to trial. The time in between the setting is necessary so that your attorney can investigate your case and talk to witnesses.
