Being arrested is disorienting, even for people who have been through the process before. Understanding what happens next can make the experience less overwhelming and help you make better decisions in the days ahead.
After an arrest, you'll typically be booked and, depending on the charge, either released or held for arraignment. At arraignment, a judge formally reads the charges, addresses bail, and you enter an initial plea — almost always 'not guilty' at this stage regardless of the eventual outcome.
From there, your case moves through pre-trial proceedings: discovery, motion practice, and often negotiation between your attorney and the prosecution. Many cases resolve at this stage; others proceed to trial.
The single most important thing you can do after an arrest is exercise your right to remain silent and contact an attorney immediately — before answering questions, before discussing the case with anyone but your lawyer, and before making any decisions about your case.