You should definitely have an attorney, whether it be a private attorney, or the Public Defender.  At the arraignment stage, we always plead not guilty, whether or not the client is actually guilty or not.  At that time, we are given a copy of the arrest report to analyze, and we receive what is called a "pre-trial" date from the court.  This is the date where negotiations take place to see if the matter can be resolved in some manner.  It is possible that the charges can be reduced depending on the facts, and/or the information contained in the arrest report.

BARRY BESSER, www.besserlaw.com