What is the name of the legal proceeding in which a defendant is advised of the charge and enters a plea?

What is the name of the legal proceeding in which a defendant is advised of the charge and enters a plea?

• A. Preliminary Hearing
• B. Arraignment
• C. Sentencing
• D. Plea Bargain

Answer: (B)

The legal proceeding where a defendant is advised of the charges against them and enters a plea is known as an arraignment. During this critical stage in the judicial process, the defendant is formally read the charges and given the opportunity to respond with a plea, which can typically be guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This process ensures that the defendant is fully aware of the charges they are facing and allows the court to establish the next steps in the judicial process. The other options represent different stages or concepts in the legal process. A preliminary hearing is conducted to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, sentencing occurs after a conviction to determine the punishment, and a plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution regarding a plea, often leading to a reduced sentence or lesser charge. None of these options serve the same purpose as an arraignment, which is specifically focused on informing the defendant of the charges and facilitating their plea.

The legal proceeding where a defendant is advised of the charges against them and enters a plea is known as an arraignment. During this critical stage in the judicial process, the defendant is formally read the charges and given the opportunity to respond with a plea, which can typically be guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This process ensures that the defendant is fully aware of the charges they are facing and allows the court to establish the next steps in the judicial process.

The other options represent different stages or concepts in the legal process. A preliminary hearing is conducted to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, sentencing occurs after a conviction to determine the punishment, and a plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution regarding a plea, often leading to a reduced sentence or lesser charge. None of these options serve the same purpose as an arraignment, which is specifically focused on informing the defendant of the charges and facilitating their plea.