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arraign
/əˈrān/
Arraign is a legal term meaning to formally call a defendant into court, read the criminal charges against them, and ask them to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). It is typically the very first court appearance after an arrest.
- Review of Charges: The judge or prosecutor officially states the specific crimes being alleged.
- Reading of Rights: The court informs the defendant of their constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial and the right to legal representation.
- Appointing Counsel: If the defendant cannot afford a lawyer, the judge can appoint a public defender at this time.
- Entering a Plea: The defendant responds to the charges. Most commonly, defendants plead "not guilty" at this initial stage to allow time to review evidence.
- Determining Bail: The judge decides if the defendant will be released, held in custody, or if bail (and its conditions) will be set.
- Scheduling: Future court dates and deadlines are set.
For more specific information regarding legal procedures in your area, you can visit the California Courts Self-Help Guide.
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1. to call (a defendant) before a court to answer to an indictment : charge 2. to accuse of wrong, inadequacy, or imperfection
People also ask
to formally accuse someone of a particular crime in a court of law and to ask the accused to state guilt or innocence: He was arraigned on a robbery ...
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