What occurs during an arraignment?

During an arraignment, the primary purpose is to inform the defendant of the charges being brought against them, as well as the potential penalties associated with those charges. This step is crucial in the legal process because it ensures that the defendant understands the nature of the accusations they are facing.

Additionally, during the arraignment, the defendant is typically asked to enter a plea (such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest). This foundational moment enables the court to gauge how the defendant wishes to proceed and sets the stage for future legal proceedings, such as pre-trial motions, hearings, and the actual trial, if necessary.

The other options reflect stages or actions that occur at different times in the judicial process. Sentencing occurs after a conviction, not during the arraignment. A trial is a separate process that follows different legal procedures and is conducted after all preliminary steps are completed, including the arraignment. While a defense attorney may be present, obtaining representation or assignment of counsel typically occurs prior to an arraignment or can happen concurrently but is not a specific function of the arraignment itself.