An arraignment is a court appearance at which the judge or magistrate formally reads the charges against you. At your arraignment, you will make your initial plea of “guilty” or “not guilty.” For state law crimes, arraignment is often the same day or day after you have been arrested. For federal cases, arraignment takes place after your initial hearing and detention hearing. If you are not in custody, you may appear in person or remotely by video, depending on court requirements. You have the right to an attorney at your arraignment.