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 […]
attorney meeting with client at desk

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.

Originally Published: November 20, 2023

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