What Happens at an Arraignment in Ohio?

What is an arraignment?

An arraignment is your first formal court appearance after being charged with a crime. It is not a trial. No evidence is presented and no guilt is determined at this stage. The purpose of an arraignment is to formally notify you of the charges against you, ask how you plead, and address bond conditions.

What happens at arraignment?

1. 1

   The charges are read aloud

   The judge formally states the specific charges being brought against you. This is when you find out exactly what you are charged with under Ohio law.

2. 2

   You enter a plea

   You will be asked to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In almost all cases, the correct initial plea is not guilty. Entering a not guilty plea preserves all of your options while your attorney reviews the case. Pleading guilty at arraignment — before you have seen the evidence — is almost never the right move.

3. 3

   Bond is addressed

   The judge decides whether to release you on your own recognizance (no money required), set a bond amount, or order you held. If you have an attorney present, they can argue for favorable bond conditions.

4. 4

   Future dates are scheduled

   Pretrial hearings and, if necessary, a trial date are set at or after arraignment.

When does arraignment happen?

If you were arrested and held in custody, arraignment typically occurs within a few business days. If you were released after arrest or received a summons, your arraignment date will be on the paperwork you received.

In Medina County, arraignments for felony cases are held in the Medina County Court of Common Pleas. Misdemeanor arraignments are held in the applicable municipal court — Medina Municipal Court, Wadsworth Municipal Court, or Brunswick Municipal Court, depending on where the offense occurred.

Should I have an attorney at arraignment?

Yes. Having an attorney at your arraignment means someone is present to argue for reasonable bond conditions, ensure your rights are protected from the start, and advise you on how to proceed. The early stages of a case set the tone for everything that follows.

If you have been arrested or received a summons and have not yet spoken with an attorney, contact the office as soon as possible.