An arraignment is a legal proceeding in which a person accused of a crime is formally presented in court. During this process, the charges against the individual are read, and they are asked to enter a plea, typically "guilty," "not guilty," or "no contest." This step is crucial in the criminal justice system as it ensures the accused understands the charges they face. Following the plea, the judge may address bail and set future court dates. The arraignment is usually one of the first steps in a criminal case, helping to establish the timeline for the legal proceedings ahead.