Within how many days must an arraignment occur for a defendant in custody after filing of charges?

The correct answer is based on legal standards regarding the timing of arraignments for defendants in custody. Arraignment is a crucial step in the criminal justice process where the defendant is formally presented with the charges and has the opportunity to enter a plea. For defendants who are in custody, jurisdictions typically mandate that this hearing should occur expeditiously to ensure their rights are upheld and to avoid prolonged detention without a hearing.

The requirement of having an arraignment take place within 10 days after the filing of charges reflects a balance between the need for timely legal proceedings and the administrative realities of the court system. It ensures that defendants are promptly informed of the charges against them, and it allows for quicker resolution of their cases. This timeframe is often established by various statutes or court rules to promote efficiency and fairness in the judicial process.

In contrast, other timeframes such as 5, 15, or 30 days would not align with these legal standards and might result in unnecessary delays that could infringe on the defendant's rights to a speedy trial and legal recourse. Thus, the established guideline of 10 days serves as a critical benchmark for timely arraignments in custody scenarios.