What occurs during an arraignment?

During an arraignment, the defendant is formally charged with a crime and is given the opportunity to enter a plea. This is a critical stage in the criminal justice process as it ensures that the defendant is aware of the charges against them and can respond accordingly. The plea can be “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest,” and this entry of plea can significantly influence the course of the proceedings. By addressing the charges at this stage, the judicial process moves forward to subsequent steps, whether that involves a trial or a plea deal, depending on the nature of the plea entered.

The other choices describe events that occur at different stages in the legal process. The jury presenting its verdict happens after a trial, the defense lawyer outlining the case typically occurs during the trial or pre-trial motions, and the presentation of evidence is also a component of the trial stage, where both sides present their arguments and evidence to support their positions.