Upon making his appearance before the municipal court, the defendant shall be arraigned. The municipal judge or the city attorney shall read the complaint to the defendant, inform him of his legal rights, of the consequences of conviction, and ask him whether he pleads guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads guilty, the court may proceed to judgment and sentence or may continue the matter for subsequent disposition. If the plea is not guilty, the court may proceed to try the case or may set it for hearing at a later date. (1985 Code § 11-18)