No, an arraignment and a trial are both appearances before a judge, but they serve different purposes. An arraignment is a defendant's first appearance before a judge after being arrested and charged. They will have their charges read against them, and the judge will make sure the defendant understands the charges against them. The defendant will also enter an initial plea at this time. A trial is when a prosecutor presents evidence against the defendant, and the defense attorney will try to either demonstrate the defendant's innocence, or prove that they deserve lesser charges. Read More