New Jersey Pre-Arraignment Conference

A pre-arraignment conference is held shortly after the return of an indictment. The pre-arraignment conference is scheduled by Criminal Division office in the county where the offense occurred.

Discovery and other evidence is available to the defendant and counsel prior to this conference. This provides the defense with an opportunity to review the evidence against the accused prior to the conference.

As a result of this initial discovery, a defendant may decide to apply for PTI or negotiate a plea bargain. Of course, a defendant may also plead guilty to the charges.