What Happens at The Initial Arraignment?
The initial arraignment is for the court to inform the defendant of their rights, to inform them of the charges and possible penalties, to find out if they want a lawyer, and to find out if the defendant wants to plead guilty or not guilty. The defendant should appear at the courthouse 15 minutes before the time shown on their citation or summons, and check in at the magistrate court clerk’s office. The clerk can direct them to the courtroom in which their case will be called. Rights Form The defendant is given a rights form, which has important information about their legal rights. When their case is called, the judge will ask if they have read the form and if they understand their rights. Charges and Possible Penalties The judge tells the defendant the charge(s) and possible penalties, and asks if they understand them. At this point the judge is only asking if they understand the charges. The judge is not asking if they admit to anything. If the defendant does not understand the char
