A first appearance is more correctly known as a felony first appearance. It only occurs when a Defendant has been charged with a felony crime. The purpose of felony first appearance is to determine whether there is probable cause (a low burden which is basically maybe a crime occurred and maybe you were the one that committed it) and to address conditions of release. If a Defendant is released pursuant to conditions of release (a topic to be explored later) the State has sixty (60) days in which to hold a preliminary examination or take the matter to a grand jury. If the Defendant is in custody the State has ten days to hold a preliminary examination (or in some jurisdictions hold a grand jury) or the Defendant is released. The State can also, at this time, move for preventative detention a subject of a later post. As always, this is general information to explain the Court process and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Should you have further questions call Jason M. Alarid, Attorney at Law, to make an appointment for a free consultation on criminal matters.