What happens at an initial appearance?

While some differences exist from county to county in Minnesota, there are four basic things that happen at an initial appearance in felony and gross misdemeanor cases. First, the court ensures that you have received a copy of the complaint and fully understand the charges against you. Second, the court determines whether you have retained a private attorney, want a public defender to be appointed, or intend to represent yourself. Public defenders are appointed to represent only those defendants who are financially eligible. A defendant is entitled to at least one continuance of an initial appearance for purposes of hiring a lawyer. Third, the court determines whether the defendant wants an omnibus hearing scheduled and, if so, whether the defendant wants a "speedy" omnibus hearing (one scheduled within 28 days of the initial appearance). Finally, the court sets conditions of release, which may or may not include bail.