A defendant's first appearance in court is called what?

• A. Indictment
• B. Plea
• C. Sentencing
• D. Arraignment

Answer: (D)

Arraignment is the defendant’s first court appearance after charges are filed, when the formal charges are read aloud and the defendant is informed of rights. This proceeding gives the defendant a clear notice of what they’re being charged with and the opportunity to enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court may also handle bail or conditions of release at this time. Indictment is the formal charging document typically issued by a grand jury that starts the case, not the appearance itself. A plea is the defendant’s answer to those charges and is determined during or after this hearing. Sentencing happens later, after a conviction or plea and determines the punishment.