Arraignments in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
An arraignment in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas is the first formal court appearance after a felony indictment has been issued by a grand jury. This hearing marks the official start of the felony court process.
Most felony cases begin in a municipal court and are transferred to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas after indictment.
What Happens at a Felony Arraignment
During a felony arraignment in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, the judge reads or explains the indictment, advises you of your rights, takes your plea, sets bond, and schedules future court dates.
Most defendants enter a Not Guilty plea at arraignment to preserve their rights and allow time to review the evidence.
Arraignments are usually brief and may take only a few minutes.
Where Arraignments Take Place
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio
Typical arraignment procedures include:
- Passing through courthouse security
- Checking in with courtroom staff
- Waiting for your case to be called
- Appearing before the judge
Defendants in custody may appear by video from the jail.
Cases That Require Common Pleas Arraignment
Arraignments in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas involve felony-level criminal charges, including felony drug possession, felonious assault, robbery, breaking and entering, and burglary.
Felony charges can result in prison sentences, fines, and permanent criminal records.
Bond Issues at Arraignment
Bond is often reviewed at arraignment.
The judge may keep or modify the bond set in municipal court. The judge could also impose conditions of bond, such as no-contact with the named victim, drug testing and GPS monitoring.
Violating bond conditions can lead to arrest and bond revocation.
Mandatory Appearance
Felony defendants usually must appear unless the court allows otherwise. Failure to appear can result in an arrest warrant. That’s why it is important to promptly appear and step up to the bench when your name is called.
Why Effective Representation Matters At Arraignment
A felony arraignment is an important step in the criminal process. This is when a defendant’s initial freedom and conditions of release are determined, and additional hearings are scheduled. Having the right attorney by your side matters.
Early legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of a felony case.
