Arraignment

Arraignment is a legal proceeding in criminal cases where a defendant is formally presented with the charges against them in court. During this hearing, the defendant is asked to enter a plea—usually "guilty," "not guilty," or "no contest." The arraignment serves to inform the defendant of their rights and the specifics of the charges. It also sets the stage for future court dates and legal proceedings. This process is a critical step in ensuring that the defendant understands the accusations before moving forward in the justice system.