When does the six-month rule start?

• A. Arraignment
• B. Arrest
• C. Filing of Charges
• D. First Appearance

Answer: (A)

The six-month rule begins at arraignment because that is the moment when formal charges are officially before the court and the defendant is made aware of them. Arraignment sets the practical and legal starting point for the speedy-trial clock: once charges are read, the case is officially on track to go to trial, and deadlines are measured from that point.

Starting at arrest would rely on a state of detention or suspicion rather than on having charges, which could unfairly delay or accelerate the clock depending on enforcement circumstances. Starting at filing of charges can be less stable, since charges can be amended or additional charges added later. Arraignment provides a clear, recognized event when the defendant is informed of the exact charges and a plea is entered, making it the appropriate anchor for the six-month period.

Keep in mind the clock can be tolled for certain delays (like motions, continuances, or other legally permitted pauses), but the baseline start point remains arraignment.