The arraignment is your first court appearance where you are officially informed of the charges. The judge will decide on bail or release conditions (ROR). It is crucial to have an attorney at this stage to argue for your release.

Certain charges, particularly federal drug trafficking and crimes involving firearms (like 924(c)), carry mandatory minimums (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 years) that a judge cannot go below unless specific narrow exceptions apply.

A deposition is sworn testimony taken out of court. A lawyer asks you questions, and everything is recorded by a court reporter. It is a critical part of the discovery process in civil litigation.