Q: What happens to the person accused of a crime?

After arrest, the defendant (accused) is arraigned in the associate circuit court. At the arraignment the judge will review the amount of the bond; notify the defendant of his charges; make sure legal counsel is provided or waived; and set a date for the preliminary hearing in a felony case or the trial in a misdemeanor case. Either the defendant or the prosecutor may at times seek a continuance (a postponement) of the hearing. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office tries to prevent continuances to the extent possible.