An arraignment is a procedural step in the criminal justice process where the defendant appears before the court to formally hear the charges against them and enter a plea (typically “guilty” or “not guilty”). During the arraignment, the judge may also address bail or bond issues, appoint legal representation if the defendant cannot afford an attorney, and set future court dates.

At the arraignment, the judge does not typically impose a sentence. Instead, if the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty at a later stage of the proceedings (such as a trial or plea bargain), the judge will then proceed to sentencing. The sentencing phase is where the judge determines the appropriate punishment or penalty for the defendant’s criminal conduct, which may include fines, probation, community service, or incarceration, among other possibilities.

While an arraignment is a critical stage in the criminal process, it does not involve the imposition of a sentence. Rather, sentencing occurs after a guilty plea or conviction, either at trial or through a plea agreement.