What Is an Arraignment in Massachusetts?

An arraignment is the first formal court appearance in a criminal case. It’s where the court reads the charges against you and asks how you plead.

Even though arraignments are usually quick, they matter—a lot.

Once you’ve been arraigned, the charges become part of your record. Even if they’re later dismissed, that record of being formally charged can follow you on background checks. That’s why the goal in many cases is to resolve things *before* arraignment—like at a clerk magistrate hearing.

At arraignment:
- You’re formally told what the charges are.
- Bail may be set (or not).
- The next court date is scheduled.

You usually enter a plea of not guilty. But by then, the real work has already started. I help clients avoid arraignment when possible. When it’s not, I’m there to protect your rights and fight your case from the start.