Which hearing occurs when the defendant is informed of the charges, rights, and asked to enter a plea?

• A. Arraignment
• B. Indictment
• C. Plea bargaining
• D. Adjudication

Answer: (A)

Arraignment is the first formal court appearance after charges are filed. It is the hearing where the defendant is told exactly what they are charged with, informed of their rights (such as the right to counsel and the right to a fair process), and asked to enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or, in some places, no contest. This stage isn’t about deciding guilt; it’s about making sure the defendant understands the charges and begins the process by entering a plea, which moves the case toward trial or disposition.

Indictment is the formal charging document—that’s the accusation itself, often issued by a grand jury—not a hearing. Plea bargaining refers to negotiations over pleading guilty in exchange for concessions, and adjunction/adjucation describes the judgment or verdict stage, not the initial hearing.