What happens at an arraignment?

• A. The defendant is informed of charges and enters a plea.
• B. The jury is chosen and sworn.
• C. The case proceeds to trial immediately.
• D. The defendant is released without entering a plea.

Answer: (A)

At an arraignment the defendant is formally informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea. This step marks the initial formal court appearance after arrest or indictment, where the charges are read, the defendant’s rights are explained (including the right to counsel), and the court may address bail or detention. The defining action here is the plea choice: guilty, not guilty, or, in some jurisdictions, no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the case may move toward sentencing or a plea agreement; if the plea is not guilty, a trial date is set and pretrial proceedings begin. The jury selection and oath occur later, during the trial process, not at arraignment.