What is a court-martial arraignment?

A court-martial arraignment in Virginia is a formal legal process that follows the accusation of a crime committed by a service member in the military. During the court-martial arraignment, the accused service member is made aware of the charges or specifications they are facing under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Furthermore, the accused is informed of their right to remain silent, and to have their own defense counsel (known as military defense counsel, or JAG) present during the arraignment. The accused then responds to the charges, and indicates whether or not they will accept or reject the assistance of a military defense counsel. If the accused chooses to accept the military defense counsel, then that person proceeds to represent them in court. In some cases, the military defense counsel may be able to secure a plea deal with the military prosecutor which may result in a lessened sentence upon conviction. During the arraignment, the accused also has the opportunity to request a jury trial. If the accused pleads not guilty, the court-martial arraignment marks the beginning of the legal process, including pre-trial hearings and the eventual trial itself. The outcome of the arraignment will determine the course of the case and the respective penalties that could be imposed according to the proceedings of the military court. If found guilty, the accused service member can be handed a sentence which could range from a reprimand to a dishonorable discharge or even a death sentence.

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What is a court-martial arraignment?

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