What Happens After You’re Arraigned in Massachusetts?

Once you’ve been arraigned, your case moves into the pretrial phase. This part of the case can last weeks—or months.

Here’s what usually happens next:
- Discovery: The prosecutor turns over police reports, witness statements, and other evidence.
- Motions: Your lawyer may file legal arguments to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Pretrial Hearings: The court checks in regularly as the case progresses.

Many cases resolve during this phase—through negotiation, dismissal, or diversion. Others go to trial. The choices you make early on can shape everything that follows.

The key is working with someone who knows how to use the process to your advantage. I handle pretrial strategy with the same intensity as trial work—because this is often where the case is won.