If you’re charged with a crime in Mississippi, one of the first things you’ll hear about is your “initial appearance.” It sounds like a big deal, and it is the first official time you’re in front of a judge. But the reality is that this step is more about housekeeping than high drama.
At the Eichelberger Law Firm, we often handle initial appearances for our clients without them having to even set foot in the courtroom. Here’s how it works and why.
What an Initial Appearance Is
The initial appearance is the first hearing after you’ve been charged. At this hearing, the judge will:
Make sure you know exactly what you’re charged with
Explain your Constitutional rights
Confirm or set your bail amount
Give you your next court date
Enter your plea — which should always be “not guilty” at this stage
It’s not a trial, and it’s not the time to argue your case. Think of it as the court’s way of formally starting the process and making sure you understand what’s ahead.
Why You Might Not Have to Go
If you’ve hired us before your initial appearance, we can often file a waiver on your behalf. That means:
You avoid taking time off work
You avoid sitting in a courtroom for what amounts to a procedural hearing
We can handle scheduling and next steps directly with the court
This is especially helpful if you’re out on bond for a misdemeanor or a non-violent felony.
Why We Always Plead Not Guilty at This Stage
At the initial appearance, the only safe plea is “not guilty.” This keeps your options open, lets us review the evidence, and gives us time to prepare your defense. Pleading guilty before your lawyer has had a chance to fully investigate the case can close doors you can’t reopen.
What Happens Next
After the initial appearance in a misdemeanor case, your case moves into the pretrial phase. This is when we:
Request discovery from the prosecutor
Analyze evidence and witness statements
Develop defense strategies and negotiate when appropriate
After the initial appearance in a felony case, the next step is a preliminary hearing. At the preliminary hearing and before, we will:
Talk with the prosecutor and any witnesses
Develop defense strategies to potentially be used at trial
Advocate for lower bond or the removal of bond restrictions, if appropriate
Bottom Line
The initial appearance is important, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. If you call us early, we can often save you the trip and make sure your rights are protected from day one.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime in Mississippi, call the Eichelberger Law Firm at 601-202-9981 to discuss your next steps.