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
What Utah’s Supreme Court Says About Your Right to Speak at Sentencing
When someone faces sentencing in Utah, they have the right to speak directly to the judge—a right called allocution. It gives a person the chance...
November 17, 2025
Enticing a Minor in Utah – What It Means and How the Law Works
Enticing a minor is a serious offense under Utah law, often arising from situations where no physical contact ever occurs. Instead, it begins with...
November 14, 2025
The Right to Represent Yourself – And What Can Go Wrong: Lessons from State v. Bridgewaters, 2025 UT App 160
In criminal court, every defendant has the right to a lawyer — but also the right to waive that lawyer and represent themselves. It's a serious...
November 4, 2025
Ready to explore our other articles?