Arraignment
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Plain-English Meaning
Your first formal court appearance after being charged with a crime. The judge reads the charges against you, you enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest), and the judge decides whether to release you, set bail, or hold you in custody.
Legal Context
In New York, arraignment is governed by Article 170 (misdemeanors) and Article 210 (felonies) of the Criminal Procedure Law. For arrests, the arraignment must occur without unnecessary delay — typically within 24 hours of arrest. At arraignment, the prosecution presents the accusatory instrument (complaint, information, or indictment), the defendant is advised of their rights, and the court addresses release conditions.
Real-Life Example
Maria was arrested on a Thursday evening for alleged shoplifting. On Friday morning, she was brought before a judge in criminal court. The judge read the misdemeanor complaint, Maria entered a plea of not guilty, and the judge released her on her own recognizance with a return date three weeks later. That Friday morning appearance was her arraignment.
Related Statutes
Related Terms
Source
Based on N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law Articles 170 and 210. Original B-Legal plain-language explanation.
N.Y. CPL §§ 170.10, 210.10
Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts. This definition is original B-Legal content and is not affiliated with or derived from any proprietary legal dictionary.