Arraignment is a phase in criminal procedure where the court reads the formal charges that the state of Florida has brought against you. This is the time when you, with the assistance and advice of your hired criminal defense attorney will enter a plea of not guilty, no contest or guilty. Arraignment is a critical phase in the criminal system and should never be attended without the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. You usually have several weeks between the date of arrest and the arraignment to speak with and hire an affordable and skillful criminal defense attorney.