If a defendant is in custody at indictment, within how many days must arraignment occur?

If a defendant is in custody at indictment, within how many days must arraignment occur?

• A. 30 days
• B. 15 days
• C. 5 days
• D. 10 days

Answer: (D)

When a defendant is in custody at indictment, arraignment must occur within ten days. This tight window protects the defendant’s rights by ensuring prompt notification of the charges, advising of rights, and the opportunity to enter a plea or obtain counsel. Arraignment is the point at which the charges are formally read and the defendant’s options are explained, so keeping the timeline short for those in custody helps prevent unnecessary detention without adjudication. Other situations have longer timelines, but the ten-day limit specifically applies to defendants who are in custody at indictment.

When a defendant is in custody at indictment, arraignment must occur within ten days. This tight window protects the defendant’s rights by ensuring prompt notification of the charges, advising of rights, and the opportunity to enter a plea or obtain counsel. Arraignment is the point at which the charges are formally read and the defendant’s options are explained, so keeping the timeline short for those in custody helps prevent unnecessary detention without adjudication. Other situations have longer timelines, but the ten-day limit specifically applies to defendants who are in custody at indictment.