What happens at an arraignment? We discuss the importance of an arraignment in Massachusetts. We discuss the arraignment process. An arraignment, sometimes called an arraignment hearing, is often the first step in the criminal justice system. A not guilty plea will enter on your behalf. The Commonwealth may ask for bail to be set on your case. They may ask that you be held in custody as a danger to the public. Once you are arraigned meaning once a plea has entered, you will get a date for a pre-trial conference. We give an arraignment definition.