questions & answers

Question: I was arrested on a criminal charge. I was read Miranda and I asked for an attorney. At 11am the next day, I was taken before a judge. She read the charges and set bail. Then I was taken to another holding cell that had phones. Two questions: 1)What's the name of that hearing? 2)Why did I not have an attorney present, or at least someone to explain what was happening? I watch the news and see the same courtroom with attorney's representing the accused.

Answer: After a person is arrested he or she must be taken before a judge within twenty-four hours. This is called an initial appearance. During an initial appearance the judge will tell the person the charges against them and that he or she has the right to an attorney. If the person cannot afford an attorney, the judge will then appoint an attorney at this time. Then the judge will set the conditions for bail. The next hearing is a preliminary hearing and that is where evidence and testimony from witnesses is presented by the prosecuting attorney and the defendant’s attorney. (https://www.azcourts.gov/guidetoazcourts/HowaCaseMovesThroughtheCourtSystem.aspx)