Nevada Revised Statutes 174.015 – Conduct of arraignment
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, arraignment shall be conducted in open court and shall consist of reading the indictment or information to the defendant or stating the substance of the charge and calling on the defendant to plead thereto. The defendant shall be given a copy of the indictment or information before the defendant is called upon to plead.
Terms Used In Nevada Revised Statutes 174.015
- Arraignment: A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
2. In justice court or municipal court, before the trial commences, the complaint must be distinctly read to the defendant before the defendant is called upon to plead.
3. In justice court or municipal court, before the defendant is called upon to plead, the court shall determine whether the defendant is eligible for assignment to a preprosecution diversion program pursuant to NRS 174.031.