ARRAIGNMENT - The initial appearance before a judge in a criminal case. At an arraignment, the charges against the defendant are read, a lawyer is appointed if the defendant cannot afford one, and the defendant's plea is entered.

An arraignment is the first appearance in court or before a judge on a criminal charge. Generally, the accused is expected to enter a plea in response to arraignments. Any failure to attend arraignments can lead to more criminal charges, fines, and sometimes even to an immediate arrest warrant.

“What Are Arraignments?”

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