At a Rhode Island District Court arraignment, the judge formally reads the charges, advises you of your constitutional rights, accepts your plea (typically not guilty at this stage), and sets bail. The arraignment usually happens within 24 hours of arrest on weekdays or 48 hours over a weekend. You have the right to a lawyer at arraignment, and your lawyer can argue for personal recognizance release, lower bail amounts, or favorable conditions. Do not enter a guilty plea or make statements about the case at arraignment without first consulting a lawyer. The next court date for pre-trial conference is scheduled at the arraignment.
