What is an Arraignment?
Essentially, the Arraignment is the opportunity for the defendant, along with his attorney, to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges listed in the Trial Information.
Most of the time, Arraignments can be handled by the filing of a Written Arraignment. Although the Trial Information will request the defendant be present on the date of the Arraignment, a Written Arraignment can usually be filed in place of the defendant showing up in person.
A Written Arraignment contains the defendant’s personal information, his education and whether he has read and reviewed the Trial Information. The Written Arraignment also discusses the defendant’s right to an open arraignment, his plea and his speedy trial rights.
If a plea of not guilty is entered at the time of the Arraignment, the Court will issue an order setting the time and date for the Pretrial Conference and Trial.
If a guilty plea is entered, the Court may set a Plea Hearing or a Sentencing Hearing.