Arraign

To arraign someone is to formally accuse them of a crime in a court of law. This legal process involves presenting the charges against the accused and requiring them to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Arraignment marks the commencement of the formal criminal proceedings. It's a crucial step where the defendant is notified of the specific accusations, their rights, and the potential consequences of a conviction. The purpose is to establish the legal basis for the trial and ensure the defendant understands the charges.

Arraign meaning with examples

• The defendant was brought before the judge, and the prosecutor proceeded to arraign him on charges of embezzlement. The accused stood silent, and the judge entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. The entire courtroom was silent, everyone focused on what was going to be done next.
• After the police gathered enough evidence, the suspect was arraigned on charges of aggravated assault. The family, hoping for justice, anxiously waited for the arraignment date to arrive and the judge read off the charges to the accused. Lawyers worked together to build their case.
• The suspected ringleader of the drug cartel, known as 'El Diablo', was finally arraigned on multiple counts of drug trafficking and conspiracy. Heavily guarded, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty, denying all accusations. This case was already going to be one for the history books
• Following a lengthy investigation, the corporation's CEO was arraigned on charges of securities fraud. The press, cameras flashing, captured the defendant's stoic demeanor. His lawyer worked alongside the judge to start the arraignment and make sure his rights were stated out loud.