Rule 1004 Arraignment Prior to Trial

When you are charged with a crime in Pennsylvania, you have the right to an arraignment before your trial begins. An arraignment is a short hearing where the court formally reads the charges against you and asks how you plead.

If you choose not to waive (give up) your right to an arraignment, it will happen right before your trial starts. You can also choose to skip the arraignment if you want to move straight to trial.