What is the purpose of an arraignment?

The purpose of an arraignment is to make sure that criminal defendants in the state of Virginia understand their legal rights and the charges that have been brought against them. At an arraignment, the judge will read the charges aloud in court and ask the defendant to enter a plea. The plea can be either guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Depending on the plea, different outcomes can result. If the defendant pleads guilty, the judge can choose to suspend or delay the sentence or accept the guilty plea and impose punishment, such as fines or jail time. If the defendant pleads no contest, a finding of guilt is made without admitting guilt, and punishment is imposed. If the defendant pleads not guilty, a trial date is set and the case proceeds to trial. The arraignment process is an important part of criminal justice because it allows the defendant to understand their rights and the charges they are facing. It also gives defendants an opportunity to enter a plea if they choose to do so. Finally, an arraignment provides the necessary information for the court to set a trial date, if necessary.

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What is the purpose of an arraignment?

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