Last updated April 2026
Your arraignment is the first formal court hearing after charges are filed in a Florida criminal case. Unlike first appearance — which happens within 24 hours of arrest — the arraignment is where the court:
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Reads the official charges against you
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Advises you of your rights
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Takes your initial plea
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Sets future court dates
Arraignment is one of the formal court stages that follow arrest and first appearance in a Florida criminal case. For a broader overview of how cases progress through the court system, see how Florida criminal court stages work from arraignment through trial.
Arraignments in Broward County move quickly. Most last under 2 minutes, and the judge typically handles dozens of cases in one session. But what happens at this hearing can affect the rest of your case — especially if you appear without counsel or enter a plea without understanding the consequences.
Here’s what you need to know before you walk in.
⚖️ What Is an Arraignment?
The arraignment occurs after the State Attorney files formal charges, typically by Information in felony cases or formal complaint in misdemeanors. At this hearing, the judge ensures:
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You understand the charges
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You understand the possible penalties
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You understand your right to counsel
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You enter a plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest)
Before arraignment, defendants are typically released or held following the Florida bond hearing process, which determines initial custody and release conditions.
Most defense attorneys file a written plea of not guilty and a waiver of arraignment ahead of time so you don’t have to appear. But if this hasn’t been done, you must attend.
📝 What Happens During the Hearing?
In Broward County, arraignments are often handled in high-volume dockets, meaning judges typically spend very little time on each case. Because of this, most meaningful decisions about the case are deferred to the pretrial phase.
Here’s the typical flow of a Florida criminal arraignment:
1. Judge Calls Your Case
You’ll approach the podium or appear via Zoom, depending on the division.
2. Judge Advises You of the Charges
The court reads the information or citation filed by the State Attorney.
3. Judge Advises You of Your Rights
Including:
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Right to counsel
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Right to remain silent
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Right to a trial
4. Entry of Plea
Most people enter:
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Not guilty
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Demand for discovery
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Election of trial by jury
5. Setting of Future Dates
The judge sets:
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Case management
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Status conferences
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Pretrial hearings
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Motion dates (such as a motion to suppress)
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Trial periods
6. Ensuring Representation
If you don’t have a lawyer, the court will ask about your plans to hire counsel or appoint the public defender.
🕒 Do You Have to Go to Arraignment?
Not always.
If your attorney files a:
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Written plea of not guilty, and
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Waiver of arraignment
…you typically do not need to appear.
However, personal appearance is required when:
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A charge is mandatory appearance (e.g., DV, DUI, certain felonies)
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The judge specifically orders it
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There are bond-related concerns
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You missed a prior court date
Failure to appear can result in a bench warrant, (capias).
📋 What NOT to Do at Arraignment
Do not:
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Discuss the facts of your case
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Try to “explain” what happened
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Argue with the prosecutor
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Talk about evidence
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Mention prior criminal history
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Make statements that can be used against you
The arraignment is a procedural hearing — not the time to make your case.
🧩 What Happens After Arraignment?
In many cases, the arraignment is less about making decisions and more about preserving options—allowing defense counsel to investigate the case and position it for dismissal, diversion, or negotiation.
After arraignment, your case formally enters the pretrial phase, where your attorney begins:
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Reviewing discovery
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Analyzing body-worn camera footage
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Evaluating stop legality for a motion to suppress
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Negotiating with prosecutors
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Filing motions
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Preparing for trial
After arraignment, cases typically proceed to a pretrial conference. Learn what happens next in our guide to what happens at a pretrial conference in Florida criminal cases.
To understand how your case may progress from this point forward, see the Florida criminal case timeline from arrest through resolution.
At this stage, some cases begin to resolve early—particularly in situations where criminal charges can be dropped before trial in Florida.
Others may be evaluated to determine whether defendants qualify for diversion programs in Florida, depending on the charge and record.
🚨 Speak With a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you have an arraignment coming up — or you missed one — contact Michael White, P.A. immediately.
We can file the proper paperwork, protect your rights, and prevent avoidable warrants and penalties.
For a broader look at how long each stage of a case may take in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, see our Criminal Case Timeline Guide.
❓ FAQs — Criminal Arraignment in Florida
1. What is the purpose of an arraignment?
To formally advise you of the charges and take your initial plea.
2. Do I need a lawyer for arraignment?
Yes. A lawyer protects your rights and may waive your arraignment entirely.
3. What if I already entered a plea at first appearance?
The arraignment still occurs unless formally waived by your attorney.
4. What happens if I miss my arraignment?
A judge can issue a bench warrant, leading to arrest and additional charges.
5. Does the State present evidence at arraignment?
No. Arraignment is procedural — evidence and arguments come later.