Rule 26.1 Bonds and First Appearance

When you are brought before a judge for the first time after being arrested, the judge must tell you about your rights. In a misdemeanor case, you have the right to receive a formal written accusation that spells out exactly what you are charged with. If your case involves a traffic violation, you have the right to receive a Uniform Traffic Citation explaining the charge.

You also have the right to have your case decided by a jury. The judge must make sure you know about this right at your first appearance.