This is the first court appearance for any misdemeanor or felony. You will be informed of the charges against you, the maximum penalty if convicted, your constitutional rights to a jury or bench trial, appointed attorney, presumption of innocence and much more. In most cases, depending on the nature of the charges, you will either stand mute or enter a plea of not guilty. Depending on whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor, a pretrial or preliminary examination will be scheduled. Bond will also be set at this stage.