The arraignment or first court date can usually be found on the citation that was issued at the time of your arrest. In some cases, you may be issued a summons or an order to appear in court. If you are issued a citation or summons and fail to appear in court on the given date, a warrant might be issued for your arrest. A failure to appear is a serious offense and should not be taken lightly. Retaining an attorney prior to your first appearance is strongly recommended. The criminal process differs slightly when a person is charged with a felony offense. For instance, there will be a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to move forward. An attorney can help you understand your rights whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.