At an arraignment in a California criminal case, you are formally informed of the charges filed against you by the prosecutor. The judge will ensure you understand those charges and advise you of your basic rights.
At this hearing, you may enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. In some cases, you may also choose to waive time and postpone entering a plea. If you were arrested, California law generally requires that you be arraigned within two court days.
Plea discussions may occur at or shortly after the arraignment, but many cases do not resolve at this early stage. The court may also address issues such as bail, release conditions, and future court dates.
Because important decisions can be made at an arraignment, having legal representation can help protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could affect the rest of the case.
