What occurs during the arraignment process?

During the arraignment process, the defendant is formally presented with the charges against them and given the opportunity to enter an initial plea. This plea can be guilty, not guilty, or, in some cases, no contest. The arraignment serves as a critical step in the criminal justice process, allowing the defendant to understand the charges fully and to prepare for the subsequent legal proceedings.

The other options, while relevant to the broader context of a criminal trial, do not accurately describe what occurs during an arraignment. For instance, presenting evidence to a jury, deciding a defendant's sentence, and calling witnesses to testify take place during later stages in the trial process, such as during the trial itself or at sentencing hearings.