in Massachusetts. What’s an arraignment? Hi. I’m Steve Brooks. I’m a Massachusetts

trial attorney with an office in Boston and in Dedham. And I can answer your questions

on what an arraignment is. An arraignment is the first appearance in court. It’s where

the charges are read to a defendant and they’re formerly notified of the crimes the government

charges them with. Now, in district court, a not guilty plea is automatically entered

against the defendant. Wherein, superior court a defendant is expected to stand up and say

the words “not guilty” in order to enter that plea. Also at the arraignment, the issue

of bail is discussed while the overwhelming number of people simply get released on their

own recognizance, which is their promise to appear at all the later court dates – some

people have to have a bail hearing. At a bail hearing, the prosecutor argues that a person

should have to post bail in order to get released. The defendant argues that no bail is necessary

and that they will come back on all the court dates that are scheduled. Sometimes, when

someone has a large number of repeat offenses or if they’re held because they have a pending

case, the issues of revocation of bail comes up. Now I expect that you’re watching this

video because you have either someone close to you has a case pending or there’s an

arraignment scheduled or you have a case pending with an arraignment scheduled, and you have

questions about the process. I’d be happy to answer the questions you have. Call me

at 781-251-0555. Thanks for listening.