Why should I go to my son's arraignment?
My son is facing a felony. It is his first offense. I live 70 miles away and would have to take the day off with no pay to go. Is there a reason for me to be there? Will it make a difference?
His father will be there, he lives close to him.
Answers:
If he's underage, i'd suggest you go, as it will make a difference to him and to the judge.
If he's an adult, let him stand on his own, It won't matter who's in the court room.
to make sure he goes in. bring a camcorder with you.
To show support for your son. If you don't care what happens to him, you can skip it.
Congrats! A felon for a son. I'd stay home. Send him a message that you don't approve of his behavior.
Why do people always throw the "first offence" statement in there? Does that make his crime any less serious?
As Sammy Davis Jr. sang. Don't do the crime, if you can't do the time.
After seeing the thumbs down, I have this to add.
Let 'em hang.
Damn...
He is your son! Another reason to go is judges look more favorably when both parents are there and seem to care about the defendant.
If you want to show your support you should go. Maybe the hesitation in taking off work for something as serious as this is why he is facing felony charges in the first place.
The arraignment is a pretty quick affair... not a whole lot of reason to be there. He will stand up and the charges will be stated... he will plead not guilty and either bail will be set or no bail will be set... lots depends on the crime but no.. your being there isn't going to make a difference.
arraignment only takes about 5 minutes. The judge reads the charges, the Public Defender ALWAYS pleads "not guilty" and they put you on the calendar for "formal hearing" to hear evidence, etc.
First offense USED to mean something, it doesn't anymore.
If he takes a deal, it'll go quicker, but you might really consider getting him a lawyer instead of the public defender.
IF it goes to trial, you'll want to be there as a character witness, but arraignment isn't all that big of a deal.
each you duty being a father. love him,care for him and then give them advice .he will listen to you ne\xt time. everyone needs love. we all make mistake even priest.
Yes, it will make a difference. Judges look at an offender's family support when making their decisions. The more family members there are in attendance, the better it looks to the judge as far as the person having a stable support system in place.
I don't think a judge would be any easier on a felon just because mama showed up. I would ask your son if he is guilty. If he says he's not guilty and wants you there, go.. If he says he is guilty then don't go. No need to be supportive of someone who is guilty. If he's man enough to commit a crime then let him face the music like a man without his mama.
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