The charging document is called a Complaint. The conditions and amount of bail are determined. Bail is set in almost every case, but it is up to the defendant's own resources to post the bail money, which allows him to be released. If he pleads guilty or no contest, the Judge may sentence him on the spot or may reschedule the case for a sentencing date, which will give the probation department time to prepare a pre-sentence report including background information about the defendant and the crime, make a sentencing recommendation, etc. If the defendant stands mute or pleads not guilty, the case will be scheduled for a pre-trial conference.
Many events can occur prior to trial.
There are case discussions involving the Judge, prosecutor and defense attorney. The focus is on possibly resolving the case short of trial. The judge must determine whether evidence will be admitted or suppressed at the defendant's trial, whether there is some legal reason why the defendant should not be tried, or decide other ground rules for trial. He is advised of his right to a preliminary examination within 14 days of the arraignment. If the defendant requests a court-appointed attorney, the court will review that request at the time of the arraignment.