What Happens at Arraignment

If you've been charged with a crime in Maine, your first court appearance is usually an arraignment. For many people, this is unfamiliar territory and understandably stressful. Knowing what to expect can take some of the edge off.

An arraignment is not a trial, and it's not where guilt or innocence is decided. It's a short, procedural hearing where the court formally tells you what you are charged with and what your rights are.

At arraignment, the judge will read or summarize the charge and ask how you plead: guilty, not guilty, or not guilty by reason of insanity. In most cases, the appropriate plea at this stage is not guilty. That plea preserves all of your rights and gives your attorney time to review the evidence and investigate the case.

The court will also address bail conditions. Depending on the charge and your history, this may range from personal recognizance (no money bail) to conditions like no contact orders, travel restrictions, or, in some cases, cash bail. Your attorney can argue for reasonable conditions tailored to your situation.

Finally, the court will set the next steps—such as deadlines for discovery, motions, or future court dates.

Arraignment is brief, but it matters. What happens there can affect your freedom, your conditions of release, and the trajectory of your case. Having a defense attorney with you ensures that your rights are protected from the very beginning and that the case starts on solid footing.