Rule 10 Arraignment

When you're arraigned, this happens in open court where everyone can see and hear what's going on. The judge or court officer will either read the actual charges against you out loud, or explain in plain terms what you're being accused of. This is the moment where you officially learn what crime you're charged with.

Before you're asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, etc.), you must be given a written copy of the complaint or information. This means you'll have the actual document in hand that spells out the charges, not just a verbal explanation. You get to see this paperwork before you have to respond to it, so you know exactly what you're facing before you make any decisions about how to plead.