Introduction
You’ve been arrested, bonded out, and now you have a court date.
The question almost everyone asks is:
“What happens at my first court date?”
If you’ve never been through the system before, walking into court can feel overwhelming.
Knowing what to expect helps — and it can protect your case.
The Short Answer
Your first court date is usually not your trial.
In most criminal cases, the first appearance is about:
- confirming the charge
- advising you of your rights
- setting the next court date
- discussing bond, counsel, or conditions of release
It is often called:
- arraignment
- first appearance
- setting docket
- preliminary hearing (depending on the case and court)
What Happens in General Sessions Court
In Nashville and throughout Davidson County, Tennessee, many misdemeanor and felony cases begin in General Sessions Court.
At that first date, the court may address:
- whether you have a lawyer
- whether bond conditions need to change
- whether discovery is being requested
- whether the case will be continued
- whether there is a need for a preliminary hearing
Most cases do NOT resolve on the first day.
If It’s a DUI Case
Your first date may involve:
- reviewing the charge
- discussing discovery (bodycam, reports, test results)
- scheduling future hearings
- protecting your license issues
The real defense work usually happens after the first appearance.
If It’s a Domestic Assault Case
Domestic cases may involve:
- bond conditions
- no-contact orders
- orders of protection
- victim participation issues
These cases can become complicated quickly.
If It’s a Felony Case
Felony cases often involve:
👉 a preliminary hearing
This is where the State must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you are the person charged.
This stage can be critical for defense strategy.
What You Should NOT Do
Do NOT:
- show up late
- talk about your case in the hallway
- contact witnesses improperly
- assume “explaining it to the judge” will fix things
Court is not the place to freestyle your defense.
The Biggest Mistake People Make
They wait too long to hire a lawyer.
People think:
“I’ll just see what happens at court first”
That’s backwards.
The best time to prepare your defense is before the first court date.
What You Should Do Instead
Before court:
- Know your date and time
- Dress appropriately
- Arrive early
- Bring paperwork
- Most importantly:
👉 Talk to a criminal defense lawyer
Why This Matters
What happens early in a criminal case affects everything later:
- bond conditions
- evidence preservation
- witness issues
- defense strategy
- plea leverage
Early mistakes are expensive.
The Bottom Line
Your first court date is about positioning your case — not finishing it.
And what you do before that date often matters more than what happens inside the courtroom.
About the Author
David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.
He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.
Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”
Call to Action
If you’ve been charged and have a court date coming:
👉 Don’t walk in unprepared. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE
The first move in your case often matters the most.
Nashville Criminal Attorney 