Which term describes a defendant's first court appearance where charges are formally presented?

Which term describes a defendant's first court appearance where charges are formally presented?

• A. The arraignment
• B. The trial
• C. The sentencing
• D. The motion hearing

Answer: (A)

Arraignment is the defendant’s first court appearance where the charges are formally presented. At this proceeding the charges are read to the defendant, the defendant is advised of rights, and a plea is entered or discussed. The judge may also appoint counsel and set bail or release conditions. This distinguishes it from the trial, where the evidence is heard and guilt or innocence is determined; from sentencing, which happens after a conviction; and from a motion hearing, which focuses on pretrial legal issues rather than charging.

Arraignment is the defendant’s first court appearance where the charges are formally presented. At this proceeding the charges are read to the defendant, the defendant is advised of rights, and a plea is entered or discussed. The judge may also appoint counsel and set bail or release conditions. This distinguishes it from the trial, where the evidence is heard and guilt or innocence is determined; from sentencing, which happens after a conviction; and from a motion hearing, which focuses on pretrial legal issues rather than charging.