At a Providence criminal arraignment, the judge reads the charges, advises you of your constitutional rights, accepts your plea (typically not guilty), and sets bail or release conditions. The arraignment usually happens within 24 to 48 hours of arrest at the Sixth Division District Court at 1 Dorrance Plaza. You have the right to a lawyer at arraignment, and a lawyer can argue for personal recognizance, lower bail, or favorable conditions. Do not enter a guilty plea or make statements about the case at arraignment without consulting counsel. The next court date for pre-trial conference is set at the arraignment, typically four to six weeks out.
