An arraignment is an early court appearance where a person charged with a crime is formally presented with the charges against them and asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. This hearing typically occurs shortly after arrest or the laying of charges. At arraignment, the judge may also address bail conditions and set dates for future court appearances. If the accused pleads not guilty, the case proceeds toward trial. Arraignments are part of the criminal justice process that ensures accused persons understand the charges they face and have opportunity to respond in court.