• The initial appearance is usu. required by statute to occur without undue delay. In a misdemeanor case, the initial appearance may be combined with the arraignment. See ARRAIGNMENT. [Cases: Arrest 70; Criminal Law 261–264. C.J.S. Arrest §§ 61–64; Criminal Law §§ 355, 357–360, 362–363.]
initial appearance
A criminal defendant’s first appearance in court to hear the charges read, to be advised of his or her rights, and to have bail determined.