Arraignment is the formal charge reading and initial plea entry. The judge confirms the defendant received a copy of the charging instrument, reads the counts, confirms understanding of maximum penalties, and takes a plea. In Cook County DUI cases, arraignment usually happens 21 to 30 days after bond hearing at the branch court assigned to the arrest location. Defense counsel typically enters a not-guilty plea and files initial discovery motions. The chicagoduilawyer.net brand uses arraignment strategically: this is the first date to appear on record, tender discovery requests, and calendar the statutory summary suspension hearing under 625 ILCS 5/2-118.1.
