Which proceeding informs the defendant of potential penalties?

• A. Plea Bargaining
• B. Suppression Hearing
• C. Preliminary Hearing
• D. Arraignment

Answer: (D)

Arraignment is the moment in the criminal process when the defendant is formally charged and told what the potential penalties could be if convicted, along with the charges and the rights involved. This briefing of possible punishment helps the defendant understand the stakes before choosing a plea. Plea bargaining focuses on negotiating a plea deal, suppression hearings deal with evidence admissibility, and preliminary hearings determine whether there is probable cause to move forward. Since informing the defendant about the possible penalties happens at arraignment, that is the correct proceeding.