How important is it for the family of a loved one to attend an arraignment?
breezylocks2000 asked:
If a family member was the victim of a violent crime, should the family of the victim attend the arraignment. I’ve heard that this is very short is this true? We will be at the trial and sentencing, but wanted to know how important and long is the arraignment. Should we drive across country for an arraignment?
Brandon
If a family member was the victim of a violent crime, should the family of the victim attend the arraignment. I’ve heard that this is very short is this true? We will be at the trial and sentencing, but wanted to know how important and long is the arraignment. Should we drive across country for an arraignment?
Brandon
July 28th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Hayden
The only purpose going to an arraignment would most likely serve is personal support via your presence. That’s up to you. Usually the Judge just informs the person what they are being charged with and asks them to enter a plea. Then there is a hearing date set. Does this person have an attorney? Get some advice from the attorney. If they don’t have one, it is probably advisable for them to get one.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:21 am
Ethan
I don’t know how long an arraignment is, but I don’t think that it’s necessary for you to drive across country to be there. Did your family member survive the crime? Will they be attending the arraignment? Are other family members going to the arraignment? I think it’s great that you can be there for the trial and sentencing and I really don’t think you need to drive that far to attend the arraignment unless you have free time and money isn’t an issue. Good luck!
July 31st, 2010 at 10:18 am
Kaitlyn
I can see no reason to attend the arraignment. Most are 5 minutes or so… Charges are read to the suspect, bond is set and hearing date set… Some are even done via-video where the suspect is in jail…
July 31st, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Hunter
The arraignment is very simple, ordinarily held in a courtroom crowded with defendants and lawyers. In most states, the defendant is handed a copy of the Indictment, he waives reading of it. The judge says how o you plead. He says not guilty and the judge then sets a trial date. There may also be some discussion of bail and the right a speedy trial. If there has been a plea bargain, that is also the time the defendant will plead guilty. Only takes a minute and the victim need not be present and usually isn’t present. I cant see any point in family f the victim being present. You might want to seek the opinion of the only person who would care, — your family member.