Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: A court hearing where the defendant is formally read the charges against them and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest (nolo contendere). Arraignment typically occurs within 2-3 weeks of arrest in Florida.
Category: Court Process · Statute: Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160 · Source: Florida Legislature
FL Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160 — Arraignment"The arraignment shall be conducted in open court or by audiovisual device in the discretion of the court... The defendant shall be informed of the charge... and shall be called upon to plead thereto."
What Happens at Arraignment
- The judge reads the formal charges (the "information" or "indictment")
- The defendant enters a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest
- If pleading not guilty, a trial date is set
- Bail conditions may be reviewed or modified
- The judge may address any pretrial motions
When Does Arraignment Happen?
In Florida, arraignment typically occurs 14-30 days after arrest, depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. For misdemeanors, it's often the first formal court appearance after the initial arrest.
Can You Skip Arraignment?
In some Florida counties, defense attorneys can file a written plea of not guilty and waive the defendant's presence at arraignment. This avoids the need to appear in person. Consult your attorney about this option.