Your First Court Appearance After Arrest
Your arraignment is the formal court hearing where the charges against you are read aloud in open court. You will be asked to enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or no contest — and the judge will make decisions about your release or set bail and bond conditions. Arraignments typically occur within days of arrest and are often the defendant's first opportunity to appear in court with an attorney.
This is a critical moment in your case. The outcome of your arraignment — particularly the bail decision — can have enormous consequences for your life, your job, your family, and your ability to prepare a defense. An inexperienced or inattentive attorney at arraignment can result in bail being set too high, harsh conditions being imposed, or important rights being waived. George & Vyas, LLC treats every arraignment as the serious matter it is.
Bail Advocacy
Presenting a compelling case for your release without bail, or bail set at a reasonable amount based on your ties to the community and lack of flight risk.
Plea Strategy
Advising you on whether to enter a plea at arraignment or preserve your rights for later negotiation — and never allowing you to say anything that could harm your case.
Rights Protection
Ensuring your constitutional rights are preserved from the very beginning, including the right to effective assistance of counsel and discovery of evidence.
Early Case Assessment
Reviewing the arrest circumstances and evidence immediately so we can begin building your defense strategy from day one.
The Bail Decision Determines Your Life for Months to Come
If bail is set too high, you remain in custody waiting for trial. Felony cases in Delaware often take 6 to 12 months to resolve. Being incarcerated during that time means you cannot work, cannot properly assist in your own defense, cannot maintain family stability, and face enormous pressure to accept unfavorable plea deals just to get out.
Being released — either without bail or on reasonable conditions — allows you to maintain employment, support your family, work closely with your attorney, and prepare the strongest possible defense. The difference between favorable bail and excessive bail is often the difference between a good outcome and a catastrophic one.
Arraignment FAQ
What happens at my arraignment?
At your arraignment, the charges against you are formally read. You will enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest), and the judge will make decisions about bail or bond conditions. This is your first court appearance after arrest, and having an attorney present is critical to protecting your rights and securing favorable conditions.
How do I get favorable bail at my arraignment?
An experienced criminal defense attorney can present compelling arguments based on your community ties, employment, family situation, and lack of flight risk. Our former prosecutors understand the judge's perspective and know how to build a persuasive case for release without bail or with reasonable conditions.
What should I say at my arraignment?
You should say as little as possible and let your attorney do the talking. Many people unknowingly incriminate themselves by speaking at their arraignment. Your attorney will handle your plea entry, bail advocacy, and all statements to the court. This is not the time to tell your side of the story — that comes later.
Have more questions? Schedule a free consultation or call 302-735-8401.