Florida Criminal Procedure

The Florida Arraignment

Your first court date sets the tone for everything that follows. Here is what an arraignment actually is, what to expect, and why what you do here matters.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Jeff T. Gorman, Criminal Defense Attorney & Former 19th Circuit Prosecutor (Fla. Bar #538183). Last reviewed: June 2026

What an Arraignment Is

The arraignment is your first formal appearance before the court after being charged. The judge informs you of the charges, advises you of your rights, and asks you to enter a plea.

The Governing Statute
Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.160 — Arraignment
"The arraignment is the first formal court proceeding at which the charges against the defendant are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →

In most cases, the right move is to plead not guilty. This preserves all your rights, gives your attorney time to review the evidence, and keeps every option open — including negotiation and dismissal. Pleading guilty at arraignment, before anyone has reviewed the State’s case, is almost never advisable.

What to Expect

  • The charges are read (or reading is waived).
  • You enter a plea — typically not guilty.
  • Conditions of release may be addressed or revisited.
  • Future dates are set for pretrial and discovery.

If you have a lawyer, they can often attend for you and even waive the arraignment by filing a written plea, so you may not need to appear at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I plead at a Florida arraignment?
In most cases, not guilty. This preserves your rights and gives your attorney time to review the evidence before any decisions are made. Pleading guilty at arraignment, before the case is reviewed, is rarely advisable.
Do I have to attend my arraignment in Florida?
Often not, if you have an attorney. Your lawyer can typically file a written plea of not guilty and waive the arraignment, meaning you may not have to appear in person.

Charged Under This Statute?

A statute on a page is not the same as your case. Talk to an attorney who has handled these charges — free, confidential.

This page summarizes Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.160 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.