If you’ve been arrested for a misdemeanor in Allen County, you’re not alone. The Allen County Prosecutor’s Office has one of the highest caseloads in the state, prosecuting 10,000 misdemeanors per year. In fact, there are so many cases in Fort Wayne that the misdemeanor courts are in a separate building, called the Charles “Bud” Meeks Justice Center. Common misdemeanor charges include operating while intoxicated, theft, possession of marijuana, battery, minor consumption, and driving while suspended.
What Happens at an Initial Hearing in Allen County?
When you were arrested, you should have received a date and time to appear in Court for your Initial Hearing. Typically, initial hearings start between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. When you first arrive at the Justice Center, you will go through security and see a large group of defendants looking at three screens in between courtrooms 1 and 2. The screens display which Courtroom you are in and the time your case begins. Once your name pops up, you will check in at the kiosk and enter the Courtroom you are assigned to. Defendants are also required to watch an advice of rights film.
After the prosecutor reads the charges against you, you will be asked important questions. You will be asked if you want to plead guilty or not guilty, as well as whether you want to hire an attorney or proceed without one. The judge will also set deadlines for filing notice of certain defenses.
