What is an arraignment?

An arraignment represents a defendant’s first appearance in court. At arraignment, the defendant is informed of the charges against him and a bail determination is made. He is also informed of some of his rights, including his right to an attorney, his right to an adjournment to get an attorney, his right to remain silent, his right to a trial, and, in felony cases, his right to a preliminary hearing.


The defendant is notified of his next court appearance. Often a defendant will not have an attorney at arraignment. When the defendant returns to court at a later date, the defendant will then be arraigned again with an attorney present.

Show All Answers

1. What types of offenses are there in New York?
2. What happens when someone is arrested?
3. What is the function of the District Attorney?
4. What is an arraignment?
5. What is bail and how is it set?
6. What happens to a misdemeanor or violation case after arraignment?
7. What happens to a felony case after arraignment?
8. Are grand jury proceedings open to the public?
9. What happens after a grand jury votes an indictment?
10. What is a trial?
11. What are the stages of a trial?
12. What types of sentences may be imposed if a person pleads guilty or is found guilty after a trial?
13. Can a convicted defendant or the District Attorney take a case to a higher court?