Being arrested and facing your first court appearance can be overwhelming. For many people, stepping into a Union County courtroom is their first direct encounter with the criminal justice system. The uncertainty about what will happen, what to say, and how the process works can add enormous stress to an already difficult situation.

In North Carolina, the first court appearance is not a trial, but it is an important step that can affect the entire outcome of your case. Judges use this stage to formally present the charges, advise defendants of their rights, and decide on bond or conditions of release. How this appearance is handled can determine whether you walk out of the courthouse or remain in custody while your case moves forward.

At The Khan Law Offices, we guide clients through this process every day. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys understand how Union County courts operate and how to protect your rights from the very beginning.

If you or someone you love has been arrested, don’t face your first court appearance alone—contact The Khan Law Offices today to put an experienced defense team on your side.

The Purpose of a First Court Appearance

In North Carolina, every defendant charged with a criminal offense is entitled to a first appearance before a judge. This requirement is outlined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-601, which states that any person arrested for a crime must be brought before a district court judge “without unnecessary delay” and, in any event, no later than their first scheduled court session after arrest.

The primary purpose of this appearance is to ensure that the defendant understands why they are in court and what rights they have moving forward. At this stage, the judge will:

• Inform the defendant of the charges filed against them.
• Advise the defendant of their constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to counsel.
• Address whether the defendant qualifies for a court-appointed attorney if they cannot afford private counsel.
• Review bond or other conditions of release.

It is important to understand that this is not a trial—the judge will not hear evidence or decide guilt at the first appearance. Instead, the focus is on informing the defendant and establishing the framework for the case. However, what happens during this initial hearing can have a major impact on the case’s direction, particularly when it comes to bond and pretrial release.

Having an attorney by your side from the very first court appearance can help you avoid mistakes and ensure your rights are protected from the start. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Union County, contact The Khan Law Offices today for immediate legal guidance.

Advisement of Rights and Charges

At your first court appearance in Union County, the judge’s responsibility is to ensure that you fully understand both the charges against you and the rights you have under North Carolina law. This step is required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-603, which directs the court to inform defendants of the allegations they face and the basic protections available to them.

The judge will typically:

• Read the charges aloud or summarize them, ensuring you know exactly what offenses you have been accused of committing.
• Advise you of your constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a trial.
• Determine representation: if you cannot afford an attorney, you may request a court-appointed lawyer. This right is provided under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-451, which guarantees indigent defendants the right to appointed counsel in criminal cases where jail time is a possible penalty.

This stage is critical because what you say—or fail to say—can impact your case later. Many defendants make the mistake of trying to explain themselves in front of the judge, which can inadvertently harm their defense. The safest approach is to let your attorney speak for you and protect your rights.

At The Khan Law Offices, we help clients prepare for this moment so they do not feel blindsided in court. We ensure our clients understand their charges, advise them on what to expect, and begin building a defense strategy immediately. If you are facing criminal charges in Union County, don’t try to navigate your first appearance alone. Contact The Khan Law Offices today and let our experienced defense team protect your rights.

Bond and Pretrial Release Decisions

One of the most important parts of a first court appearance in Union County is the judge’s decision on whether you will be released from custody before trial—and under what conditions. These determinations are governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-534, which sets the framework for pretrial release.

The judge has several options, including:

• Unsecured bond or written promise to appear – you are released without paying money up front, but you must appear for all hearings.
• Secured bond – you must post money, property, or a bail bond to be released.
• Custody release conditions – such as surrendering a passport, avoiding certain people or places, or maintaining employment.
• Denial of release – in rare cases, usually when a defendant is charged with a capital offense.

When deciding bond, the judge weighs several factors, such as:

• The seriousness of the charges.
• The defendant’s criminal history.
• Ties to the community (employment, family, residence).
• The risk of flight or failure to appear.
• Any risk to public safety.

This stage can determine whether you go home after court or remain in custody while your case proceeds. A skilled attorney can argue for the lowest possible bond—or for release without monetary conditions—by presenting evidence of your community ties, employment, and reliability.

At The Khan Law Offices, we know how critical pretrial release is for both your defense strategy and your peace of mind. Our attorneys fight for fair bond conditions so you can return home while your case moves forward. If you or a loved one is being held in Union County, call The Khan Law Offices today. We will advocate for your release and protect your rights at every stage of the process.

The Role of an Attorney at First Appearance

Having an attorney at your first court appearance is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights. While the judge will inform you of the charges and your legal protections, it is your attorney who ensures those rights are respected and used to your advantage.

At this stage, a defense lawyer can:

• Advocate for fair bond conditions: Your attorney can argue under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-534 for reduced bail, unsecured release, or non-monetary conditions, which may allow you to return home instead of remaining in custody.
• Prevent harmful statements: Many defendants unintentionally say things in court that can later be used against them. Your lawyer ensures you don’t make admissions or mistakes that hurt your defense.
• Clarify your charges and next steps: A lawyer explains the implications of the charges, potential penalties, and the stages that will follow in the criminal process.
• Begin building your defense immediately: From gathering evidence to negotiating with the prosecutor, your attorney starts shaping your defense strategy from day one.

Judges in Union County take the first appearance seriously, and so should you. Without an experienced advocate, you risk unfavorable bond conditions, missed opportunities to protect your rights, and mistakes that may follow you through the entire case.

At The Khan Law Offices, we stand by our clients from the very first court appearance. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience in North Carolina courts, and we know how to navigate the system to secure the best possible outcomes. If you have been arrested in Union County, don’t face your first court appearance alone. Contact The Khan Law Offices today for skilled, immediate defense.

What Happens Next in the Criminal Process

Your first court appearance in Union County sets the stage for everything that follows. While the initial hearing focuses on rights, charges, and bond, the criminal case continues through several additional stages. The exact path depends on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

For misdemeanor cases, you may move toward plea negotiations, a bench trial before a district court judge, or in some cases, a jury trial in superior court if appealed. For felony cases, the process involves additional steps, such as:

• Probable cause hearing under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-606, where the court determines whether enough evidence exists for the case to proceed.
• Grand jury indictment, which is often required for serious felony charges.
• Arraignment, where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
• Trial, if no plea agreement is reached.

At every stage, prosecutors are working to build their case against you. Without strong legal representation, you risk facing harsher penalties, higher fines, or even jail time. Having an attorney early in the process means your defense strategy is already underway before critical deadlines and hearings.

At The Khan Law Offices, we know how the criminal process unfolds in Union County courts, and we work aggressively to protect our clients from day one through trial, if necessary. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, don’t wait until your case has advanced—contact The Khan Law Offices today to begin your defense immediately.

Protect Your Rights with a Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer

A first court appearance may seem routine, but it can shape the direction of your entire case. From advising you of your charges to deciding whether you remain in custody or go home, judges in Union County use this stage to set the foundation for what follows. Having an experienced defense attorney by your side ensures that your rights are protected, your bond conditions are fair, and your case is positioned for the best possible outcome.

At The Khan Law Offices, we bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience to defending clients across Union County and Monroe. We know how the local courts operate, and we work tirelessly to safeguard your freedom and your future. If you’ve been arrested in Union County, don’t face your first court appearance alone. Contact The Khan Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and put an experienced criminal defense team on your side.