The former US president’s legal team has stated that Trump will dispute the charges, which include allegations of falsifying business records in a hush money investigation.
Trump denies any wrongdoing and has criticized the investigation as political persecution and a witch hunt.
The charges against him carry a maximum sentence of 136 years in prison under New York law, but the actual sentence they could receive after a trial would likely be less than that.
Falsifying business records in New York is typically a misdemeanour with a maximum sentence of one year in jail, but it becomes a felony with a maximum sentence of four years if it is done to advance or conceal another crime.
Trump did not respond to questions from the press as he entered the courthouse with a blank expression.
His arrival has been met with both supporters and those against him, as well as a heavy media presence.
Whilst news outlets were not able to broadcast the arraignment live, five photographers were allowed to take pictures of Trump and the courtroom before the hearing started
