The first hearing in a misdemeanor criminal case is normally the “arraignment” hearing, where the judge will read the charges formally filed in the case and ask the defendant to enter plea of either guilty or not guilty. In Utah felony cases, the arraignment does not occur until after the case has been “bound over” for trial in the district court. The first felony court hearing is sometimes referred to simply as an “initial appearance” or “felony first hearing.”
What is the first felony court hearing in Utah?
Posted by Stone River Criminal Defense Team
Last Updated: January 14, 2025
The first hearing in a misdemeanor criminal case is normally the “arraignment” hearing, where the judge will read the charges formally filed in the case and ask the defendant to enter plea of either guilty or not guilty. In Utah felony cases, the arraignment does not occur until after the case has been “bound over” […]

Originally Published: November 20, 2023
Related Articles
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in Utah: What You Need to Know
Firing a gun in the wrong place or at the wrong time can lead to serious charges in Utah—even if no one gets hurt.
June 18, 2025
State v. Christensen: Motion to Sever
A Motion to sever is granted when it is believed that different defendants or charges need to be tried separately. In the recent Utah Court of...
June 18, 2025
Law Enforcement: Probable Cause and Reasonable Suspicion
Reasonable articulable suspicion and probable cause have very significant distinctions when it comes to law enforcement response. The overarching...
June 9, 2025
Ready to explore our other articles?