Atlanta, Georgia Federal Crimes Attorney
After being arrested and turned over to the Marshals' custody, the individual is taken before a U.S. Magistrate Judge to be arraigned on the first available business day. This typically happens within 48 hours of arrest, but can occur up to 5 days later if the person is arrested on a Thursday and turned over to the Marshals on a Friday before a weekend with a Monday holiday.
The arraignment consists merely of the defendant being told of the charges in the Indictment and of the defendant's entry of a plea (not guilty). At the arraignment, the individual will be interviewed by someone from the Federal Public Defenders' office. Unless the person has already hired an attorney, Federal Defenders represent everyone at the initial arraignment.
At the arraignment, the defendant will be informed of the charge(s) against him/her, counsel will be appointed if the defendant cannot afford to hire counsel, and bail will be set if the government does not move for detention. If the government moves for detention, a detention hearing will be held and the court will determine whether the defendant poses either a flight risk or threat to the community. If it is determined that the defendant poses either risk, he/she will continue to be held by the Marshals without bond.
After arraignment, defense counsel will be given a date to return to court for a preliminary hearing in approximately 10 days.
