Lancaster Cnty. C.P. Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 571

A. The District Attorney shall conduct arraignment pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P.

571(C). A plea of not guilty shall be entered on behalf of the defendant unless the

defendant states an intent to enter a plea of guilty.

B. Arraignment shall take place at least thirty days prior to trial, unless a

defendant and defense counsel agree otherwise.

C. A defendant and defense counsel may waive arraignment and enter a plea

of either guilty or not guilty by filing a written waiver of arraignment. The form for the

waiver is available in the Office of the District Attorney. To waive arraignment, the written

waiver must either be filed in the Clerk of Courts Office or be delivered to the Office of the

District Attorney by noon on the day before the scheduled arraignment date or at the time

of arraignment. An unrepresented defendant must appear at arraignment.

D. The District Attorney shall provide a written Arraignment Rights form to each

defendant, whether represented or not, who appears at arraignment. The approved

Arraignment Rights form required by this Rule shall be published as a part of these Local

Rules as Local Rule 571-1.

Revised 9-30-13 Effective 12-9-13