Which term describes a court proceeding where the charges are advised and a plea is entered?

• A. Case Number
• B. Arraignment
• C. Deposit
• D. Settlement

Answer: (B)

Arraignment is the court proceeding in which the charges against the defendant are formally advised (read) and the defendant enters a plea. After arrest and charging, this hearing ensures the defendant understands what they’re charged with, is informed of their rights, and can respond with a plea such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Bail decisions or conditions may also be addressed at this stage. In contrast, a case number is simply the docket identifier for the file; a deposit is money held as security and not a hearing; and a settlement is an agreement to resolve the case, which may occur before or after a trial but does not describe the proceeding where charges are read and a plea is entered.