Your bond paperwork lists a court date and the word "arraignment." Brian Foley explains what that proceeding is — and what it is not — in this video.
What the law says
Under Chapter 26 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, an arraignment is held to fix the defendant's identity and to hear the plea. The charging instrument is read (or the reading is waived by the defense), and the defendant pleads guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In felony cases it follows the indictment; in misdemeanors it is typically the first setting after the information is filed.
What actually happens in Harris County
You appear in the assigned county criminal court at law or district court, usually with dozens of other defendants. If you have a lawyer, the lawyer checks in with the court coordinator, meets with the prosecutor, and enters a not-guilty plea on your behalf — often without you ever approaching the bench. The case is reset for four to eight weeks so discovery can be produced. Bond conditions may be reviewed. The entire process for your case may take a few minutes over the course of a morning.
What not to do
- Do not talk to the prosecutor without a lawyer. They are not permitted to give you advice, and anything you say is evidence.
- Do not plead guilty to "get it over with." No one — not the prosecutor, not you — has seen the video yet.
- Do not miss it. A failure to appear forfeits your bond and results in a warrant.
- Do not bring anything you would not want searched at the courthouse entrance.
What a lawyer does at arraignment
Enters the not-guilty plea; requests discovery; addresses bond conditions that are unworkable; notes the first plea offer without accepting it; and, in a DWI case, confirms the ALR hearing has already been requested. The arraignment is where the defense begins — not where it ends. Call or text (713) 703-1718 before your first setting.