What is the purpose of an arraignment?

The purpose of an arraignment in Maryland is to inform the defendant of the charges he or she is facing. It is the first formal stage of the criminal justice process. At the arraignment, the judge (or clerk of court) will formally read the charges against the defendant. The defendant will then enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge may also set the conditions of the defendant’s release, such as requiring them to post defendant will appear in court when required.">bail or requiring them to comply with certain restrictions. The arraignment is an important part of the legal process because it sets the stage for future legal proceedings. It is the defendant’s first opportunity to hear the charges and to make an informed decision about how they will plead. The arraignment helps to ensure that the defendant understands the charges and is able to make an informed decision about how to proceed. Additionally, the arraignment provides the court with an opportunity to assess the defendant’s risk to the community and to determine the best approach for addressing the situation.

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What is the purpose of an arraignment?

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