Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 26.01

  • 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.
  • 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.

In all felony cases, after indictment, and all misdemeanor cases punishable by imprisonment, there shall be an arraignment.