An arraignment is a court hearing that takes place after a defendant has been arrested and charged with a crime. During the arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges filed by the State. The judge or clerk reads the indictment or information on which the defendant will be tried to the defendant or states orally to the defendant the substance of the charge or charges and calls on the defendant to plead thereto. The defendant is also informed of their right to an attorney, and if they cannot afford one, the judge may appoint an attorney from the Public Defender’s Office to the case.

At the arraignment, the defendant may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the judge may impose a sentence immediately, or the victim may be given an opportunity to address the court regarding restitution and sentencing. If the defendant pleads not guilty, a trial date will be set at some future pre-trial proceeding.

The arraignment hearing can be waived if the defendant issues a written plea beforehand or agrees to a plea bargain.