Q. What's an arraignment? This will be your first court appearance where you appear before a magistrate or judge in Oakland County. You do not have the right to an attorney at this point in your case; you must hire an attorney to be represented at your arraignment. The magistrate or judge will read the charges and you will enter a plea of not-guilty, guilty or stand mute. The magistrate or judge will also set a bond, along with various bond conditions. I would advise anyone charged with a crime to hire an attorney for an arraignment.
Q. If the judge sets a bond in my case, how do I pay? A judge can set a personal recognizance bond, which means you simply promise to return to court, but don't post any money. A judge may also set a cash or surety bond, which means you will need to post this amount to be released during the pendency of your case. If the judge sets a 10 percent provision, it means you only need to actually post 10 percent of the amount set, and the other 90 percent will be owed to the court if you do not show-up. It is always best to bring someone to post bond for you, because some courts will not allow a defendant to post their own bond.
Q. If the judge sets a bond in my case, how do I pay? A judge can set a personal recognizance bond, which means you simply promise to return to court, but don't post any money. A judge may also set a cash or surety bond, which means you will need to post this amount to be released during the pendency of your case. If the judge sets a 10 percent provision, it means you only need to actually post 10 percent of the amount set, and the other 90 percent will be owed to the court if you do not show-up. It is always best to bring someone to post bond for you, because some courts will not allow a defendant to post their own bond.