Court Information

What is an Arraignment?

The first court appearance that a defendant usually attends is called arraignment. This is where the charges are read, name spelling is confirmed, and the next court appearance is scheduled. Court staff will also determine whether the defendant qualifies for a public defender at this hearing.

Arraignment Schedule

Arraignments are scheduled each business day. The time of the arraignment is determined based on whether the defendant is in jail custody and based on the type of crime they have been charged with.

8:30 am Out-of –Custody arraignments (for people not in jail) for felony charges with case number.

1:15 pm Out-of-Custody arraignments for misdemeanor charges or felony charges without case number.

1:30 pm In-Custody arraignment (for people who are in jail custody) for felony charges with case number.

2:45 pm In-Custody arraignments for misdemeanor charges or felony charges without case number.

All in-custody arraignments are done via video court. This means the inmate speaks to the judge via satellite TV (inmate does not physically appear at courthouse). The public may view a video arraignment by going to the courthouse, located on 1100 NW Bond Street, in downtown Bend.

Questions or Scheduling Issues

If you need to check an arraignment date of an in-custody inmate you can contact the jail at (541) 388-6661. To check arraignment date for an out-of-custody inmate call the Deschutes County Circuit Court at (541) 388-5300.