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Initial Court Appearances

Arraignment Hearing

The initial court appearance for a petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor charge is called an arraignment hearing.

At the arraignment hearing, the defendant:

Is advised of his or her legal rights.
May apply for a public defender.
May enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

First Appearance (Rule 5 Hearing)

The initial court appearance for a gross misdemeanor or felony charge is called an initial appearance, first appearance, or Rule 5 Hearing.

At the First Appearance, the defendant:

Is advised of his or her legal rights.
Is advised of the charge or charges.
May apply for a public defender.

However, no plea is taken from the defendant.

Weekly Summary of Initial Court Appearances

View the latest Initial Court Appearances (PDF). This list is updated weekly.

Sentencing

A defendant is sentenced after pleading guilty or being found guilty by the judge or jury.

Petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor

Petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor sentences are often given at the time a defendant pleads guilty. A judge has discretion regarding the sentence imposed and usually bases the sentence on a combination of the seriousness of the offense and the defendant's criminal history.

Felony

Sentences for felony level charges are often set on a date after the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty.

Prior to sentencing, a Pre-Sentence Investigation is completed by Community Corrections and recommendations are made to the judge regarding the sentenced to be imposed.

Felony sentences are governed by the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines.