Donald Trump arraignment: What is an arraignment? Meaning and explanation of how it works
Donald Trump is heading to court for his fourth arraignment of the year. What is an arraignment?
For the fourth time this year, Donald Trump will enter a courtroom and be formally charged with a crime. This time the charges are at the state, and the former president is expected to appear at his arraignment in Georgia on Thursday.
Trump is now facing some 90 criminal charges, all which have been handed out in jsut five months. They include mishandling of over one hundred classified documents, obstructing investigations, fraud, and operating a criminal organisation.
Trump's schedule keeps getting busier.
— Robert Reich (@RBReich) August 16, 2023
This week- arraignment in GA
Next week- 1st GOP debate
Oct. 2- NY civil fraud trial
Jan. 2- Possible Jan 6 trial start
Jan. 15- E. Jean Carroll defamation trial & Iowa caucuses
Jan. 29- Pyramid scheme fraud trial
March 4- Possible GA trial…
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment occurs early in the legal process, following an arrest and booking. During the arraignment, the defendant is brought before a court, informed of the charges against them, and asked to enter a plea.
The defendant is given the option to plead ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty.’ So far Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty every time he has been arrested, it is exceedingly unlikely he will plead guilty this time.
As a former head of state, Mr. Trump’s situation is unique, and it remains to be seen how this process will proceed.
BREAKING🚨: The Trump, arraignment will be televised. Judge McAfee has signed the order allowing live TV cameras in the courtroom pic.twitter.com/fCGK5E4dFW
— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) August 22, 2023
When facing legal charges, it is recommended that defendants have legal representation present during court proceedings. The defendant may plead ‘not guilty’, and the judge will determine if bail is required and any limitations on the defendant’s actions. Additionally, a subsequent court date will be set along with a tentative trial date.