Procedure where the accused first appears to plead to the charge?

• A. Arraignment
• B. Preliminary hearing
• C. Bail hearing
• D. Sentencing

Answer: (A)

Arraignment is the stage where the defendant is formally charged and asked to enter a plea. During this proceeding, the charges are read in court, the defendant is reminded of rights and the role of counsel is clarified, and the defendant chooses a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This moment sets the direction of the case: a guilty plea may end the case, a not guilty plea moves toward a trial, and a no contest can lead to sentencing or a plea agreement. This is different from a preliminary hearing, which determines if there is enough evidence to go to trial; a bail hearing, which focuses on release conditions; and sentencing, which occurs after a conviction or guilty plea.