Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

How long to arraignment after arrest

Our main issue is how long does the state have to arrign someone? We can't afford a lawyer right now and our lives are in limbo. We have issues with how the search warrant was served. They knocked,said police, we have a search warrant. Then suddenly they were in the house barking orders. Kept asking what was going on & asking for ID. Nobody showed me ID and the reply was ''we'll tell you later'' They were rushing to my son's room and despite my repeated asking to see warrant, it took over 15 mins before I was given a copy. Plus we were not allowed to go to my son's room(downstairs) to see what was going on. The warrant was for the house, not him. Also, they started taking items from from his room in brown bags. We never saw what exactly they took. The ''inventory list'' just said 24 CD's, 20 CDR's, 20 VCR tapes, 1 Laptop, etc. like that. Then they gave it to my husband to sign without ever seeing what was really taken Son is 22 years old, out on bail but now he can't move on because he doesn't know what going to happen. Class 4 felony, never been in trouble. Any help appreciated. He's finishing up school and right now can't even think about applying for a decent job.


Asked on 3/25/04, 6:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: How long to arraignment after arrest

I believe the word you meant to use was "arraign."

An arraignment occurs whenever a charge is filed against someone. The person appears in court and is advised as to what charge or charges are filed against him with the court and a copy of the charges are given to the person if they have not already been given to. If your son is charged by the grand jury with a serious offense there will be another arraignment.

The charge may be downgraded, reduced in severity and nature and handled in municipal court, in which case there will not be an indictment arraignment.

As for what you can afford, I believe that you may be overestimating what the fee will be. From what you say in your inquiry I get the impression that the charge can be easily managed by an attorney and have a quick resolution. You can call me to discuss the case and the likely fee.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

800 273 7933

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

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Answered on 3/25/04, 7:04 am


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