What are the typical timelines and next steps after an arraignment in this jurisdiction?
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Executive summary
After arraignment the court typically sets the case’s next dates and the process diverges by charge: misdemeanors commonly proceed to a disposition/settlement hearing, while felonies usually move toward a probable‑cause/preliminary hearing within jurisdictional time limits (examples: preliminary hearings often within about 10 court days in some California practice guides and within 7–21 days in some Michigan county rules) [1] [2] [3]. Defendants also face immediate issues at arraignment — plea entry, bail/detention decisions, and appointment of counsel — that shape how quickly those next steps occur [4] [5] [6].
1. What the arraignment actually fixes on the record — and why that matters
An arraignment is the formal moment the charges are read, the defendant learns rights (including right to counsel), and a plea is entered; the judge typically also addresses bail or conditions of release and schedules further proceedings — those immediate rulings determine whether a defendant is in custody, whether counsel is appointed, and what scheduling deadlines apply next [4] [5] [6].
2. Two tracks after arraignment: misdemeanor versus felony
In misdemeanor cases courts usually set a disposition or settlement hearing where prosecutors and defense can negotiate pleas or the defendant may change a plea to guilty/no‑contest — many county guides describe this as the ordinary next step after a not‑guilty plea [1]. For felony cases the next hearings are often a probable‑cause conference and a preliminary exam (also called a probable cause or preliminary hearing), designed to test whether there is enough evidence to bind the case to trial; local practice notes schedules such conferences within a window of days to weeks depending on local rules [3] [7].
3. Time limits and speedy‑trial triggers that force movement
Several sources stress statutory or rule‑based timing: in some California contexts felony defendants are entitled to a preliminary hearing within about 10 court days of arraignment unless they waive it [2]. Other county rule examples set a probable cause conference within 7–14 days and a preliminary exam no later than about 21 days after arraignment for felony matters [3]. Where a defendant remains in custody, many jurisdictions require arraignment or first appearance within a day or two of arrest, and speedy‑trial principles provide a backstop if the prosecution or court delays unreasonably [5] [8].
4. The procedural meat: discovery, motions and plea bargaining that follow scheduling
Once next dates are set the defense and prosecution begin discovery exchanges, plea negotiations, and pretrial motion practice; disposition/settlement conferences are common early opportunities to resolve cases without trial, while defense motions seeking dismissal or suppressing evidence can be filed early and may pause or shape the calendar [1] [2] [9]. Sources note that counsel will often engage immediately after arraignment to negotiate pleas or prepare challenges to the charges [7] [10].
5. Practical timeline examples from different jurisdictions — expect variation
Local rules matter. King County sets arraignments about two weeks after filing in some cases and then moves to pretrial hearings [11]. Michigan county guidance gives concrete short windows: probable‑cause conference within 7–14 days, preliminary exam 5–7 days after that but no later than 21 days post‑arraignment [3]. Los Angeles practitioner guidance highlights the 10‑court‑day preliminary hearing deadline tied to Penal Code §859b as an example of aggressive early calendars in some California practice [2].
6. What defendants should do immediately after arraignment
The practical priorities reported across sources are identical: secure competent counsel (the court will appoint counsel if you cannot afford one), decide whether to waive time for hearings (which can change scheduling), and address release conditions or bond because custody status drives fast deadlines and defense strategy [4] [6] [5].
7. Where reporting and practice diverge — and why you must check local rules
Sources agree on the overall arc but differ on specific deadlines and labels: some guides emphasize a 10 court‑day preliminary hearing in California practice [2], others show county schedules with 7–21 day windows [3], and broader national summaries give 24–72 hour rules for initial appearances after arrest [5] [12]. That divergence reflects statutory differences, local court rules and whether a defendant is in custody; always confirm the applicable local rules cited by the courthouse handling the case (not found in current reporting: the exact local court and rule for your jurisdiction — available sources do not mention your precise local rule).
Limitations: this synthesis uses public guides and practice notes; it does not substitute for court clerks, local rules, or advice of counsel. For a precise calendar in any particular case, consult the clerk’s office or retained counsel and cite the controlling local rules referenced above [1] [2] [3].