What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?

The difference between indictment and arraignment is an important one to understand when it comes to the court process in North Carolina. Indictment is the first step of the criminal justice process in which a person is formally charged with a crime. This typically occurs when a Grand Jury finds probable cause to charge the person with a crime. After a person is indicted, they will then be taken to court to be arraigned. Arraignment is the process in which a person is formally informed of the charges against them and asked to enter a plea. This is usually the first time the person appears in court and is asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The person must then answer questions about their understanding of the charges and their right to legal representation. In summary, the main difference between indictment and arraignment is that indictment is when a person is formally charged with a crime while arraignment is the process in which the person is informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea. It is important to understand the differences between these two processes in order to navigate the criminal justice process in North Carolina.

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What is the difference between indictment and arraignment?

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