What is an arraignment?

An arraignment is a critical step in the criminal justice process where a defendant is formally charged with a crime and is asked to enter a plea in response to those charges. During this court proceeding, the charges are read to the defendant, and they are given the opportunity to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This stage is essential as it ensures that the defendant is fully informed of the charges they face and can make an informed decision about how to respond.

The significance of the arraignment lies in its role as a foundational moment in the criminal proceedings, marking the transition from arrest to formal charges and legal representation. The rights of the defendant are also reinforced at this stage, including the right to an attorney, which can influence the course of the case.

Other options refer to different aspects of the criminal justice process but do not accurately define an arraignment. For example, a preliminary hearing pertains to the examination of evidence, while bail determination involves assessing the conditions of release. Meetings between judges and attorneys for scheduling are part of courtroom management but do not entail the formal charges or plea-related aspects that characterize an arraignment.