In a misdemeanor criminal case, the arraignment hearing is the first court hearing held. The judge will read the formal charges and ask the defendant to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The judge may also ask the defendant if an attorney has been hired, if a public defender is being requested, or if the defendant intends to represent himself.
What is an arraignment hearing?
Posted by Stone River Criminal Defense Team
Last Updated: January 14, 2025
In a misdemeanor criminal case, the arraignment hearing is the first court hearing held. The judge will read the formal charges and ask the defendant to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The judge may also ask the defendant if an attorney has been hired, if a public defender is being requested, or […]

Originally Published: November 20, 2023
Related Articles
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in Utah: What You Need to Know
Firing a gun in the wrong place or at the wrong time can lead to serious charges in Utah—even if no one gets hurt.
July 23, 2025
State v Hintze, 2022 UT App 117
This appeal involves a question of whether a defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial was violated after the State did not prosecute the...
July 16, 2025
Understanding the Rainbow of Collar Crime
When it comes to the difference between right and wrong we expect everything to be black and white. But when discussing types of crimes there is a...
July 15, 2025
Ready to explore our other articles?