arraignment

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The formal charging of a defendant with an offense; in many jurisdictions it includes their response in the form of a plea, typically as guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

   “This process, Mr. Rothfeld said, could be interrupted at any moment if prosecutors in Los Angeles successfully extradite him for an arraignment on the sexual assault charges there.”

   “[…]— the indictment will remain sealed until his expected arraignment on Tuesday, when the charges will be formally revealed.”