How to Prepare for an Appearance

All Criminal Court Appearances

You should appear at least one-half (1/2) hour before your scheduled court appearance.

Appearing in court in tank tops, shorts or cut-offs is prohibited. Shirt and shoes are also required.

Arraignments

Criminal arraignments begin at 9:30 a.m., Monday - Thursday for all out of custody defendants. Criminal arraignments begin at 9:30 a.m., Monday - Friday for all in-custody defendants.

Important - You must check-in at the Arraignment counter no later than 9:00 a.m. There are no exceptions to this rule. The Arraignment counter is located on the first floor of the court. If you go directly to the second floor, your paperwork will not be prepared for the judge and your arraignment will have to be rescheduled.

After you have checked-in on the first floor, you will go to the second floor where a bailiff will direct you to a courtroom.

By law, you must be given your constitutional rights prior to the Arraignment hearing and that is accomplished in the courtroom via video prior to the actual Arraignment hearing. It is imperative that you be in the courtroom at that time or you will not be arraigned that day and will have to return another day to be arraigned.

Change Your Arraignment Date

In order to obtain a continuance for your arraignment, you must have a written or verbal stipulation from the District Attorney Office (775) 328-3200. At which time, a continuance of up to TWO (2) weeks may be granted.

Other Court Appearances Other Than Arraignments

On the date of your court appearance check in on the first floor at windows 6 or 7 of the Criminal Division. They will tell you whether or not your attorney has checked in and where to wait until at which time you are called.

I Can't Afford an Attorney

At time of arrest, during the booking process, everyone is interviewed to see whether or not they qualify for the services of the Washoe County Public Defender. On the date of your arraignment, you will be told whether or not a Public Defender has been appointed to your case.

If, at the time of your arraignment, you are told you did not receive a Public Defender appointment, you may re-apply before the Judge during your arraignment. The Judge will determine at that time whether or not you qualify for the services of the Public Defender.