Arraignment

Definition

An arraignment is a court proceeding where the defendant is formally charged with a crime and asked to respond by entering a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It marks the beginning of the criminal process after an arrest.

Related terms

Plea: A formal statement made by a defendant in response to a criminal charge, declaring them guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Indictment: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, typically presented by a grand jury based on presented evidence.

Bail:

The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money be lodged to guarantee their appearance in court