Legal Dictionary
Arraignment
Definition
A criminal proceeding at which the defendant is officially called before a court of competent jurisdiction, informed of the offense charged, and asked to enter a plea.
Deep Dive
An arraignment is a critical initial stage in a criminal proceeding where a defendant is formally brought before a court of competent jurisdiction. At this hearing, the defendant is officially informed of the specific criminal charges filed against them, ensuring they understand the accusations. The court also typically verifies the defendant's identity, ensures they have legal counsel or offers to appoint one, and informs them of their constitutional rights, such as the right to remain silent and the right to a jury trial.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1A person arrested for grand larceny appears before a judge for arraignment, where they are informed of the theft charges and plead not guilty.
- 2A defendant indicted for fraud enters a guilty plea at their arraignment, often as part of a pre-negotiated plea bargain.
- 3During an arraignment for a DUI charge, the judge sets bail and schedules a preliminary hearing.
Related Terms
Plea BargainIndictmentBail Hearing