What occurs during an arraignment?

During an arraignment, a suspect is formally charged with a crime and has the opportunity to enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is a critical step in the legal process, as it officially communicates the charges to the defendant and allows them to respond to those charges.

The arraignment serves to ensure that the defendant understands the nature of the accusations being brought against them and provides them with the chance to prepare for the next phases of their trial if they choose to contest the charges. It is one of the initial court appearances following an arrest and sets the stage for future proceedings.

In contrast to the other options, which involve different legal processes such as questioning by law enforcement or reviewing evidence, the core function of an arraignment is specifically tied to the formal acknowledgment of charges and the defendant's plea.