Full Answer
At the arraignment, the judge reads the charges, advises you of your constitutional rights, asks how you plead (almost always 'not guilty' at this stage), and sets the conditions of release — bail, recognizance, or pretrial supervision.
If you do not yet have a lawyer, the judge will ask whether you can afford one. If not, the court will appoint a public defender. Never enter a guilty plea at arraignment without first talking to a lawyer. Even minor charges have collateral consequences (immigration, employment, housing) that you may not fully understand.
If you have been arrested or charged, retain a criminal defense attorney before the arraignment whenever possible. They can negotiate release terms, preserve evidence, and start building your defense from day one.
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