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What Happens at First Appearance in a Federal Criminal Case?

Posted by Ronald D. Hedding | May 23, 2023

If you or a loved one has been recently arrested and the United States Marshals are taking them to court in the afternoon, it's crucial to secure legal representation immediately.

I say this because bail will be set for your loved one, and in federal criminal cases, your loved one can be detained, which means they can't get out and will stay in custody until their case is over. So if you don't want that, you want to get somebody there to fight.

What I'll do is contact the probation department.  We'll set up an interview so that you, as a loved one, can meet with the probation department, and they can report for the court assessment:

  • Whether or not your loved one is a flight risk and
  • Whether or not there are bond conditions that they can be released on.

The probation department's report is a significant factor in the case. If it's favorable to the defense, we can leverage it to our advantage.

Released on Bail?

In addition to talking to you, any other loved ones who have property assets are willing to sign a signature bond for the person who was arrested. 

They will also talk to the person and get information from them.  So, we want to get out there as soon as possible to speak to your loved one so we can get their head straight.

We need to ensure that they handle the interview with probation the right way so they can be in the best position to argue that they should be released on some bail conditions. 

Status Conference

Another thing that will be done, especially in the Central District of Los Angeles, where I do many cases, is they will assign you a judge, and that judge will have a specific protocol.  There's going to be a status conference. 

A jury trial will be set, and the prosecutor will typically be involved but have prosecutors handling all the cases. 

It's essential that your defense attorney is involved in coordinating with the prosecutor assigned to your case. This ensures that we can secure the best possible outcome and navigate the case effectively.

So, if you or a loved one is charged with a federal crime, rest assured that you're in good hands. With 30 years of experience and a track record of success across the country, we're here to provide the best legal representation you need. 

Pick up the phone now. Ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding.  We offer a free case evaluation by phone or using the contact form. The Hedding Law Firm is based in Los Angeles, CA.

About the Author

Ronald D. Hedding

What Makes Ronald Hedding Uniquely Qualified To Represent You? I've been practicing criminal defense for almost 30 years and have handled thousands of cases, including all types of state and federal sex crime cases. All consultations are discreet and confidential.

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