Ga. Unif. R. Mag. Ct. 27
The judge or the judge's designee, shall set the time of arraignment unless arraignment is waived either by the defendant or by operation of law. Notice of the date, time and place of arraignment shall be delivered to the clerk of the court and sent to attorneys of record, defendants and bondsmen.
Before arraignment the court shall inquire whether the accused is represented by counsel and, if not, inquire into the defendant's desires and financial circumstances. If the defendant desires an attorney and is indigent, the court shall authorize the immediate appointment of counsel.
Upon the call of the case for arraignment, unless continued for good cause, the accused, or the attorney for the accused, shall answer whether the accused pleads "guilty," "not guilty" or desires to enter a plea of nolo contendere to the offense or offenses charged; a plea of not guilty shall constitute a joining of the issue.
Upon arraignment, the attorney, if any, who announces for or on behalf of an accused, or who is entered as counsel of record, shall represent the accused in that case throughout the trial, unless other counsel and the defendant notify the judge prior to trial that such other counsel represents the accused and is ready to proceed, or counsel is otherwise relieved by the judge.
Ga. Unif. R. Mag. Ct. 27