What is a formal arraignment?

At the formal arraignment, the defendant is told about the crimes they are accused of committing and informed of their rights, followed by asking the defendant whether what they plead in response to these charges: no contest, guilty, or not guilty. Formal arraignments can be complicated and should never be done alone.

What does awaiting formal arraignment mean in PA?

Formal Arraignment Along with Defendants from other cases, the Client is expected to attend or make arrangements with their Defense Attorney to address the filed Information. The Court expects the Defendants called to Formal Arraignment to enter a plea of ‘Guilty’ or ‘Not-Guilty’ to the charges listed.

What comes first arraignment or trial?

An arraignment is a defendant’s first appearance in court after being arrested and charged. An arraignment might seem like a trial — the defendant appears before a judge — but there are many differences: At the arraignment, the judge will read the charges against you.

Is arraignment the same as initial appearance?

An arraignment is a pre-trial proceeding, sometimes called an initial appearance. The criminal defendant is brought in front of a judge at a lower court. If the defendant enters a guilty plea, the judge may set a sentencing date.

What’s the difference between trial and arraignment?

Trials can be lengthy, and can involve a jury or just a judge. The purpose of an arraignment is to advise defendants of the charges against them and explain their constitutional rights. The purpose of a trial is to allow the government to prove its case with evidence.

What’s the next step in the arraignment process?

The next step is called the formal arraignment, which is done at the courthouse usually a month or two after the preliminary hearing. The defendant is given a copy of the information sheet and advised of his/her rights. Although called a “formal” arraignment, the procedure is informal.

When does a formal arraignment take place in Pittsburgh?

If you’re charged with a crime in Pittsburgh, it’s important to understand the role of the formal arraignment as part of the judicial process. In Pittsburgh, the formal arraignment typically takes place at the courthouse approximately one to two months after a preliminary hearing.

Do you have to go to an arraignment if you are the victim?

If you are the victim of a crime in which an offender was arrested, you are not required to attend the formal arraignment.

Do you have to enter a plea at a formal arraignment?

At the formal arraignment, you’ll enter your plea of “guilty” or “not guilty.” An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you on the appropriate plea. Victims of crimes are not required to attend formal arraignments. In Allegheny County, a criminal case goes through the following phases to reach the point of formal arraignment.

What happens if a case is not scheduled for arraignment?

If a criminal complaint, information or indictment is issued and the prosecutor’s office or the court does not schedule the case for arraignment until months or years later, the defendant’s attorney can ask that the case be dismissed because of the delay.