The first court appearance after an arrest, explained without the jargon.
If you or someone you know has been arrested, the arraignment is usually the first court date. Knowing what to expect takes some of the fear out of it.
What the court does
At arraignment, the judge informs the defendant of the charges and their rights, and the defendant enters a plea — typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge may also set bail and conditions of release.
Why representation matters
Even at this early stage, what you say can affect the case. Many defendants enter a not-guilty plea at arraignment to preserve their options while a defense attorney reviews the evidence.