What is a court appearance at which the defendant is informed of the charges?

A court appearance where the defendant is informed of the charges is known as an arraignment. During this proceeding, the defendant is formally read the charges against them and is given the opportunity to enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The arraignment sets the stage for the subsequent legal process, including potential plea negotiations or trial dates. This step is crucial for ensuring the defendant understands the nature of the allegations.