Approximately 2 weeks after the First Appearance, the defendant and his/her attorney will be required to appear in court for the Arraignment. You are not required to attend the Arraignment, but may do so if you wish. An Arraignment is a simple hearing wherein the judge formally notifies the defendant of the charges that have been filed against them. Do not be alarmed that the defendant pleads "not guilty" at the Arraignment. Everyone has the right to a trial, and pleading guilty would waive that right. The judge will either set a bond or release the defendant on their own recognizance - depending on certain factors - and a pre-trial and trial date will be set.