PRELIMINARY APPEARANCE

The defendant's first appearance in court for further hearings. If a suspect is arrested and held in jail, this hearing must take place within 72 hours. This appearance will occur before formal charges have been filed. If the suspect is not held in jail or is released on bail, a summons will be issued after the prosecutor has filed formal charges. This appearance can take place up to a month after the charges are filed. At the time of the preliminary appearance, the charges will be read to the defendant, he/she will be advised of his/her rights and appointed an attorney if needed. No plea will be entered. Bail must be set in all cases regardless of the crime committed. The suspect may agree to appear and be released on personal recognizance. Other conditions of release, such as no contact with the victim, can be addressed.

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1. REPORTING THE CRIME
2. FILED
3. PRELIMINARY APPEARANCE
4. ARRAIGNMENT
5. OMNIBUS HEARING
6. 3.5/3.6 HEARING
7. CHANGE OF PLEA HEARING
8. TRIAL
9. SENTENCING