What is the primary purpose of an arraignment in a criminal case?

The primary purpose of an arraignment in a criminal case is to provide the defendant an opportunity to hear the charges brought against them and to enter a plea. During this process, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant is informed of their rights. This step is crucial as it ensures that the defendant understands the accusations and is given the chance to respond.

While establishing the identity of the defendant can be part of the broader process, it is not the primary focus of the arraignment. Other options such as imposing sentencing, determining guilt or innocence, and initiating appeals are separate stages in the criminal justice process that occur after or as a result of the arraignment. The arraignment is specifically aimed at laying the groundwork for the judicial proceeding by ensuring the defendant is aware of their situation and has the opportunity to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.