Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Re: arraingement

the courtroom is public, so i guess they can appear. however, in most counties in pa, the defendant can waive their right to an arraignment and just have a not guilty plea entered on their behalf. They can also can the plea at any future date. Most of the time, defendants that are in custody are not even brought down for the arraignment and they are forced to waive their arraignment.

200 years ago the reason we had arraignment was so the defendant actual knew what he was being charged with. now, that is not necessary because the commonwealth generates bills of information, informing the accused of that of which the commonwealth will proceed at trial, thereby giving them full notice of their charges.

While the victim may go to arraignment, they may be super disappointed if they show up and nothing happens.

Brian

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