At the courthouse, I was placed in arraignment for the first week which takes place in session 1. Arraignment is the leading criminal procedure held at the district court within your jurisdiction. This usually takes place when someone is charged with a felony case. In order for this matter to occur certain parties must be present such as the Judge, assistant clerk, a prosecutor (ADA), defendant, and private/ appointed attorney. The judge will notify the victim of their rights and appoint a lawyer if necessary. The charges will be stated and the defendant is asked for a plea. Normally a defendant will plead “not guilty” because it’s originally the ADA’s job to prove them “not guilty.” The ADA will review the facts that are provided by the commonwealth such as police reports, medical evidence, and other significant evidence. The judge decided whether to alter the bail amount or release the defendant on their own recognizance. The superiors will then announce future proceedings that will be held. The judge makes the decision on whether to grant bail based on the defendant's criminal record or whether the defendant will be a possible danger to the community. If the defendant cannot post bail, he/she will remain in custody until their given court date.