 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Often a
case is not ready to be heard. For example, an important witness
is unavailable or an attorney has a scheduling conflict. In this
instance a case will be “continued,” postponed to a
later date. This is called a “continuance.”
When and if the Judge at the Preliminary Hearing decides the case should be tried, the Judge directs the defendant be “held for court.” The Judge may direct bail for the defendant. Several weeks after the Preliminary Hearing the defendant will be arraigned. Arraignment means the defendant is formally charged with a crime and enters a plea. The arraignment usually is conducted at the Criminal Justice Center in Center City—the victim does not have to be present for the arraignment. In the weeks following the Assistant District Attorney (ADA) and the defendant’s attorney will appear before a judge for one or more status hearings. Eventually it will be determined that both sides are ready and the case is set for trial. A trial date is set. Throughout this process Northeast Victim Service can assist you track the status of the case and your communication with the ADA. We can advise you about protection orders, affidavits, etc.
|