Arraignment

(a) In General. An arraignment must be conducted in open court and must consist of: (1) ensuring that the defendant has a copy of the indictment or information; (2) reading the indictment or information to the defendant or stating to the defendant the substance of the charge; and then (3) asking the defendant to plead to the indictment or infor- mation. (b) Waiving Appearance. A defendant need not be present for the arraignment if: (1) the defendant has been charged by indictment or mis- demeanor information; (2) the defendant, in a written waiver signed by both the de- fendant and defense counsel, has waived appearance and has affirmed that the defendant received a copy of the indictment or information and that the plea is not guilty; and (3) the court accepts the waiver. (c) Video Teleconferencing. Video teleconferencing may be used to arraign a defendant if the defendant consents. (As amended Mar. 9, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 29, 2002, eff. Dec. 1, 2002.)