The criminal justice process in New York involves many distinct steps. The first time that a defendant appears in court after an arrest is typically for their arraignment. An arraignment is the hearing at which the state announces the charges the prosecutor intends to pursue. A judge reviews the proposed charges to ensure that the situation conforms to all legal requirements.
During an arraignment, the defendant and their attorney have an opportunity to respond, and must make a key decision about that response accordingly.
Arraignment allows for an initial plea
A defendant’s arraignment is when they or their attorney inform the courts of how they intend to respond to the pending charges. Most defendants choose between entering a guilty plea and a not-guilty plea, although there are a few other options as well.
New York does not recognize a Nolo Contendere plea or an “Alford” plea. However, defendants can plead guilty only to a lesser included offense. An attorney can also assert that their client is not guilty due to mental disease or defect.
For those hoping to minimize the long-term implications of a recent arrest, a not-guilty plea is often the starting point of their defense strategy. They may negotiate a plea bargain or begin developing a comprehensive defense strategy intended to raise a reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt.
The sooner those facing criminal charges in New York retain legal representation, the better their chances of navigating court proceedings successfully. Having an attorney present during an arraignment can help criminal defendants understand their options and enter the most appropriate plea given their circumstances.