What is an arraignment?

An arraignment is held at which time the defendant is present and formally charged with the crime and informed of his legal rights. Most defendants charged with violent felony crimes will plead not guilty initially at the arraignment date and be given future court dates to appear.

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1. What do I do if I just had a crime committed against me?
2. Who investigates a crime?
3. Who determines what crime to charge the defendant?
4. What is an indictment?
5. What is an arraignment?
6. Will the defendant be sentenced the same day he/she is found guilty of a violent crime?
7. What is a sentencing hearing?
8. What is a pre-sentence investigation report (PSI)?
9. What happens if the defendant is sentenced to the Department of Corrections (prison)?
10. How much actual time will a defendant serve on his incarceration sentence in the department of corrections (prison)?
11. Will the defendant be ordered to pay restitution?
12. If restitution is ordered how does it get to the victim?
13. How long does the defendant get to pay restitution?
14. What happens if restitution is not paid?
15. What is the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Compensation Program and who is eligible?
16. Will I have to testify in court?
17. What do I do if I receive a subpoena to testify?
18. What should I do if the defense attorney or investigator contacts me?
19. What are the responsibilities of a witness to a crime?
20. How long will I be in court?
21. Can a friend or relative be in court when I testify?
22. Will the defendant be in the courtroom when I testify?