Arraignment Preparation Checklist


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Law Office of Forrest Good PLLC

923 S. Alamo St., Suite 2 · San Antonio, TX 78205 · (210) 236-1441 · info@forrestgoodpllc.com
Bexar County Client Worksheet

Arraignment Preparation Checklist

A short checklist to prepare for an arraignment in Bexar County, the step where the charge is read and a plea is entered.

Your arraignment

What an arraignment is

After an arrest, a magistrate gives a set of warnings, including the right to counsel and the right to remain silent.[1] At arraignment, the formal charging instrument is read and a plea is entered.[2][3] A person who is not represented is entitled to have counsel, and to time to consult with that lawyer before entering a plea.[4]

Before you go

  • Confirm the date, time, court, and room number on the notice
  • Plan to arrive early and allow time for security screening
  • Bring a photo ID, the cause or case number, and every court notice received
  • Bring a written list of questions
  • If a lawyer represents you, confirm whether to appear and where to meet
  • Do not bring weapons or prohibited items into the courthouse

Questions to ask

Write the questions to be answered before a plea is entered.

Know where you stand

A person charged with a crime has the right to a lawyer.[1][4] A person is presumed innocent, and the State must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.[5] Any Texas attorney’s license and standing can be confirmed through the State Bar of Texas.[6]

Sources

  1. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 15.17 (magistrate's warnings after arrest) [source]
  2. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.01 (arraignment) [source]
  3. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.02 (purpose of arraignment; fixing identity and entering a plea) [source]
  4. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 1.051 (right to representation by counsel) [source]
  5. Tex. Penal Code Sec. 2.01 (presumption of innocence; proof beyond a reasonable doubt) [source]
  6. State Bar of Texas, Find a Lawyer (verify an attorney's license and standing) [source]
Attorney Advertising. This worksheet is a general client resource from the Law Office of Forrest Good PLLC and is not legal advice. Reading or using it does not create an attorney-client relationship, which is formed only by a signed engagement agreement. Forrest Good PLLC, responsible attorney. Forrest Good is not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Provided under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct 7.01 to 7.06.