Glossary
Arraignment
A criminal defendant's first formal court appearance, where the charges are read and the defendant enters an initial plea (usually not guilty). Bail is often set or revisited at arraignment.
At arraignment, the judge confirms the defendant understands the charges, advises them of their rights, addresses appointment of counsel for those who can't afford one, and takes an initial plea. Almost every defendant pleads not guilty at arraignment: the actual plea decisions come later, after counsel has reviewed the evidence.
If bail wasn't set earlier, it's typically set at arraignment. The defendant's lawyer can argue for release on personal recognizance, lower bail, or specific conditions of release.