<P> Arraignment is a formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant to inform the defendant of the charges against him or her . In response to arraignment , the accused is expected to enter a plea . Acceptable pleas vary among jurisdiction but they generally include `` guilty '' , `` not guilty '' , and the peremptory pleas ( or pleas in bar ) setting out reasons why a trial can not proceed . Pleas of `` nolo contendere '' ( no contest ) and the `` Alford plea '' are allowed in some circumstances . </P>
<P> Arraignment is a formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant to inform the defendant of the charges against him or her . In response to arraignment , the accused is expected to enter a plea . Acceptable pleas vary among jurisdiction but they generally include `` guilty '' , `` not guilty '' , and the peremptory pleas ( or pleas in bar ) setting out reasons why a trial can not proceed . Pleas of `` nolo contendere '' ( no contest ) and the `` Alford plea '' are allowed in some circumstances . </P>
when is a suspect informed of the charges against him or her
when is a suspect informed of the charges against him or her
Arraignment
Arraignment