State of Alabama  
Unified Judicial System  

orm C-82                Rev.11/92 

ADVICE OF RIGHTS ON INITIAL 
APPEARANCE BEFORE JUDGE OR MAGISTRATE 
(Misdemeanor or Municipal Ordinance Violation) 

Case Number  

 

N THE________________________________________COURT OF____________________________________,ALABAMA 
 
 

    (Name of County or Municipality)  

(Circuit, District or Municipal)  

 

 

 STATE OF ALABAMA  

(cid:133) MUNICIPALITY OF _________________________________________ v. ______________________________________ 
 
 
 

Defendant  

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            This is a first appearance hearing. You are charged with committing the offense(s) of__________________________  
______________________________________________________________________________  in  this  court  in  violation  of 
______________________________________________________________________. The primary purpose of this hearing 
is to ensure that you know and understand the charge or charges against you. At this hearing, there will be no determination 
made about your guilt or innocence of the crime charged, but only a determination that you know and understand the charge 
or charges against you and the rights you and the rights you have under the law at this time. If you are before the court on    
a complaint following a warrantless arrest, the judge or magistrate will determine whether there is probable cause for the 
charge against you and the rights you have under the law at this time.  
             In  addition,  the  purpose  of  this  hearing  is  to  determine  whether  bail  should  be  set  in  your  case;  or,  if  it  has  been 
already  set,  if  it  should  remain  the  same,  be  raised,  be  lowered,  or  whether  you  should  be  released  upon  your  personal 
recognizance  (that  is,  your  promise  to  appear  for  future  court  proceedings)  or  released  in the custody of some responsible 
person.  In  order  to  make  this  determination,  it  will  be  necessary  for  the  judge  or  magistrate  to  ask  you  some  questions 
concerning your ties with the community. 
             You are entitled to be represented by an attorney. You have a right to have your own attorney and will be given time 
and opportunity to retain an attorney. If you are unable to afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you by the court if you 
qualify  for  such  representation.  It  will  be  necessary for you to complete an indigency questionnaire under oath in order for 
the court to make this determination.  
             You  have  a  right  to  talk  with  your  attorney,  family,  or  friends  and,  if  necessary,  reasonable  means  will  be  provided 
in order to enable you to do so. You have the right to remain silent. Anything that you say may be used against you.  
              You have the right to have a trial. Some charges are automatically scheduled for trial. If you plead “not guilty,” the 
case will be set for trial as soon as is possible.  

If you are released from custody (whether personal recognizance or otherwise), you must:  
1)  Appear to answer and submit to all orders and process of the court having jurisdiction in the case.  
2)  Refrain from committing any criminal offense.  
3)  Not depart from the State of Alabama without the leave of the court having jurisdiction of this case.  
4)  Promptly notify the court of any change of address or the phone number.  
5)  Other conditions:_____________________________________________________________________________ 
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
     The provisions of the Release Order may be revoked or modified by the court for cause. The Release Order and 
any  appearance  bond  executed  in  compliance  with  it  will  continue  in  force  and  effect  until  the  dismissal,  acquittal,  or 
conviction  on  the  charges,  unless  sooner  revoked  or  modified  by  the  court.  Upon  report  of  a  violation  of  any  of  the  above 
conditions, a warrant for your arrest will be issued.  

_________________________________  
 

Date    

 

 

 

           ____________________________________________________ 
           Judge/Magistrate  

            I have read or have been advised of the matters herein set forth. I understand the explanation of procedures, 
rights,  and  information  given  to  me  at  the  initial  court  appearance.  I  understand  the  conditions  of  my  release  and  
the  penalties  applicable  in  the  even  that  I  violate  any  conditions  imposed  herein.  I  also  understand  that  failure  to 
appear as required may subject me to additional charges in the revocation of release.  

_________________________________  
 

Date    

 

 

 

           ____________________________________________________ 
           Defendant  

  F

  I

  (cid:133)

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