Arraignment

Also known as: Initial Appearance

In one sentence

A defendant's first court appearance to hear charges and enter a plea.

Plain English

An arraignment is your first meeting with a judge after being arrested or charged with a crime. At this hearing, the judge tells you what you're accused of, explains your rights, and you enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge also decides whether you can be released before trial and, if so, under what conditions (like bail or recognizance).

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Example

After Sarah was arrested for shoplifting, she appeared for arraignment the next morning. The judge read the charges, explained that she had the right to an attorney, and asked how she pleaded. Sarah said "not guilty," and the judge set bail at $500.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant's arraignment was scheduled for Monday morning at 9 a.m.”

Related terms

Bail

Money or property pledged to secure a defendant's release before trial.

Charge

A formal accusation that a person committed a specific crime.

bench warrant

A court order to arrest someone for failing to appear in court or violating court orders.

Pro Se

Representing yourself in court without a lawyer.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.