§ 491 Time to answer indictment or information.

When someone is formally charged with a crime and brought before the court for arraignment, they have the right to ask for more time before responding to the charges. If they ask for it, the court must give them at least until the next day to answer.

The judge also has the power to give even more time if it seems fair under the circumstances. This gives the defendant a chance to think things through, talk to a lawyer, and understand the charges before they have to enter a plea.

In short, no one can be forced to respond to criminal charges on the spot. The law makes sure defendants get at least a short break to prepare before answering.