What occurs during an arraignment?

During an arraignment, the fundamental process involves the formal presentation of charges against the accused individual, along with a requirement for the individual to enter a plea regarding those charges. This is a critical stage in the criminal justice process, as it ensures the defendant is informed of the charges they face and allows them to respond with a plea that could be guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

The arraignment typically occurs shortly after the arrest and is a crucial step that sets the groundwork for the subsequent legal proceedings. This stage is distinct from a trial, where evidence is presented and a verdict is rendered, as well as from the sentencing phase, which only occurs after a conviction is obtained. Additionally, the appeal process is a separate legal avenue that takes place after a verdict has been rendered, primarily focused on reviewing the trial's legal procedures and potential errors rather than addressing the charges and pleas directly associated with an arraignment.