What is the purpose of an arraignment?

An arraignment is a formal court proceeding that happens after someone is arrested and formally charged with a crime in Delaware. The purpose of an arraignment is to tell the accused person what they are being charged with and to determine whether they should be held in jail or released on their own recognizance (ROR). It is also at this time that the accused person enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. At an arraignment, the judge will read the charges aloud, explain the potential punishment, and determine if the accused person should be detained or released on their own recognizance. The court will also determine if the accused should be given a defendant will appear in court when required.">bail or bond to ensure they will appear in court. The accused individual will also be asked to enter a plea to the charges. The three plea options are guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If the accused person pleads guilty or no contest, the proceedings will move to sentencing. If the person pleads not guilty, the court will set a date for a pretrial conference or a trial. Arraignments are a crucial part of the criminal justice process in Delaware, as they ensure that the accused person is aware of the charges, has an opportunity to enter a plea, and that the court has determined whether the accused should remain in custody or be released.

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