Arraignments
Arraignments are generally first-come, first-served for an initial appearance and plea on a traffic or criminal violation. Other reasons for an appearance at Arraignment hearings might be to request an extension to pay, request a payment plan, request a driver's license clearance, etc.
Pre-trials
Pre-trial hearings are scheduled after Arraignment has been made and a not guilty plea has been entered. It is a date set up for the Prosecution (usually an officer) and the Defendant (the person charged with a violation) to meet and negotiate any pre-trial matters such as a plea bargain, dismissal for proof, or discovery matters prior to trial.
Trials
Trials are formal bench trials that are scheduled for a specific date and time for the Judge to take testimony, hear and review evidence on both sides of a case in order to make a ruling. At trial, both sides are expected to present their case. Both sides will be notified by the Court to appear in order to testify, as well as any witnesses requested (See Subpoena Request).
Sentencing Hearings
Sentence Hearings occur when a person has been found or pleads guilty and the Judge has ordered a pre-sentence evaluation. After the evaluation, a Sentencing Hearing is scheduled, and the Judge reviews the evaluation report. During this hearing fines and/or jail is imposed by the Judge. If the Judge does not order a pre-sentence evaluation, sentencing will take place immediately following any of the other hearings listed above.