Why Are There Different Courtrooms for First Appearance?
It’s simple. People who are released from jail are Ordered to appear in Courtroom 1130 for an Initial Appearance. People who do not have the money to post bond or who get stuck in jail are taken to see a judge in Courtroom 1150. Normally that “in custody” first appearance date is set very quickly. What Is a “Video Arraignment?” That term can apply to a different set of circumstances. It depends on whether the case is an DWI, a felony or a misdemeanor. In order to make sure people in jail get to see a judge quickly, there normally is a “Video Arraignment” within 24 hours of arrest. Obviously that can’t happen on weekends, so if the accused is arrested on a Friday night for Impaired Driving, he will not be able to see a judge until the following Monday morning. It is called “Video Arraignment” because the hearing is actually done using hi-tech video equipment. The defendant and the judge speak to one-another using video cameras. The Judge and the prosecutor and the attorney are in court.
