What is the purpose of an arraignment?

An arraignment is a legal proceeding in criminal justice where the defendant is informed of the offense they are being charged with and asked to enter a plea. It is the first step of the criminal process in Colorado. The primary purpose of an arraignment is for the defendant to be informed of the charges brought against them and to enter a plea of either guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). The court will also advise the defendant of their legal rights and briefly explain the consequences of the plea they select. The arraignment also serves as an opportunity for the prosecution and defense to begin the pre-trial discovery process. The defense can request evidence from the prosecution to help build their case. The prosecution can also raise any issues with the defense. Finally, the arraignment serves to set a trial date. After the plea has been entered by the defendant, the court will set the date for a trial to hear the case. This helps to ensure that the court can provide the defendant with a swift and fair adjudication. In summary, the purpose of an arraignment is to inform the defendant of the charges they are facing, to enter a plea, to begin the pre-trial discovery process, and to set a trial date.

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What is the purpose of an arraignment?

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