What does an arraignment involve?

An arraignment is a critical step in the criminal justice process where the defendant is formally presented with the charges against them. During this proceeding, the defendant is informed of their rights as well as the nature of the accusation. Most importantly, the defendant is given the opportunity to enter a plea regarding the charges. This can include pleas of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Understanding this, it becomes clear why the selection involving the defendant reading their rights and pleading accurately describes the process of an arraignment.

The other options pertain to distinct aspects of the legal process. For instance, the presentation of evidence to determine probable cause occurs during preliminary hearings or grand jury proceedings, not during an arraignment. Jury selection and voir dire take place much later in the trial process after arraignment, making them unrelated to this particular stage. Lastly, filing motions by defense counsel is typically a pre-trial activity or conducted after arraignment, thereby not being part of the arraignment itself. This highlights that the correct answer specifically encapsulates the core function of an arraignment within the criminal justice system.