What happens at a criminal arraignment in Chevy Chase
An arraignment is the court proceeding where you are formally informed of the criminal charges filed against you and enter a plea. For residents of Chevy Chase in the District of Columbia, criminal cases are heard at the DC Superior Court, Criminal Division, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides criminal defense representation to clients in the Chevy Chase area. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly before the DC Superior Court and can explain what to expect at each stage, including the arraignment. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
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Understanding the arraignment process in Chevy Chase
The term “arraignment” refers to the hearing at which the court reads the charging document—the indictment or information—aloud to you and asks how you plead. In the DC system, the United States Attorney’s Office prosecutes most local criminal offenses. For Chevy Chase residents, the venue is the DC Superior Court on Indiana Avenue, just a few miles from our Arlington location. The court will first ensure that you understand the charges and your rights, including the right to counsel. If you do not have a lawyer, the court may appoint one if you financially qualify, though many people choose to retain private counsel.
Unlike many other jurisdictions, the District of Columbia does not use a traditional cash-bail system for most offenses. Instead, the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), a federal agency, conducts a risk assessment and makes a release recommendation to the court. At or before the arraignment, the judge will consider that recommendation and may order your release on personal recognizance, impose non-financial conditions, or, in limited circumstances where you pose a danger or a flight risk, hold you without bond. An experienced defense attorney can present arguments for your release and help you understand the conditions the court may set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens first at a criminal arraignment?
At the beginning of a criminal arraignment, the judge ensures you have a copy of the charging document, confirms your identity, and advises you of the charges against you. The court will also inform you of your right to an attorney. If you have not yet retained counsel and cannot afford one, the court may appoint the Public Defender Service for DC. After these advisements, the judge will ask how you plead—guilty, not guilty, or, in some cases, nolo contendere. For guidance on what to expect in your specific matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
When does an arraignment take place after an arrest in Chevy Chase?
The arraignment occurs after formal charges are filed by the United States Attorney’s Office, which may happen within a few days for misdemeanors or after a grand jury indictment for felonies. For a misdemeanor, the initial appearance and arraignment may happen at the same hearing. For a felony, the initial appearance occurs within 24 hours of arrest (or on the next business day), and the arraignment follows after an indictment or the filing of an information. The timeline can vary based on court scheduling and the complexity of the case. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss the procedural timeline in your situation.
What plea should I enter at my arraignment?
In almost all cases, your attorney will advise you to enter a plea of not guilty at the arraignment, which preserves all your legal rights and gives you time to review the evidence and explore possible defenses. A not-guilty plea simply means you are requiring the government to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If you plead guilty at the arraignment, you waive many rights and may face immediate sentencing. Always speak with a defense attorney before deciding how to plead. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can I get bail or pretrial release at the arraignment?
Yes, the court addresses pretrial release at or before the arraignment. In the District of Columbia, most people are not required to post cash bail. The PSA prepares a report that recommends release on personal recognizance, supervised release with conditions (such as drug testing or GPS monitoring), or, in limited cases, detention. The judge will evaluate that recommendation at the arraignment or at a separate detention hearing. An attorney can advocate for the least restrictive conditions and challenge any detention request by the government. To discuss how release conditions might apply to your case, call (888) 437-7747.
Will I have to speak at the arraignment?
Generally, your attorney will speak on your behalf at the arraignment. You will likely only need to state your name and answer the judge’s question about your plea, if asked directly. Your lawyer will handle the legal arguments regarding bail, release conditions, and any procedural matters. It is important to follow your attorney’s guidance about what to say, as anything you state in court could be used against you later. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What court handles criminal arraignments for Chevy Chase residents?
Criminal arraignments for Chevy Chase, DC residents are conducted at the DC Superior Court, Criminal Division, at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC. The courthouse is near the Judiciary Square Metro station. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients at that court. Our Arlington location, at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, is at that distance from the courthouse and serves clients from Chevy Chase and throughout the District of Columbia. Call (888) 437-7747 for directions and to schedule an appointment.
Do I need a lawyer for a criminal arraignment in Chevy Chase?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for an arraignment, but having an experienced criminal defense attorney can significantly affect the outcome of the pretrial release decision and the direction of your case. An arraignment sets the tone for the proceedings. A lawyer can argue for release on the least restrictive conditions, identify potential issues with the charging document, and begin building a defense strategy immediately. Many people who attempt to handle an arraignment on their own later discover they inadvertently made statements or procedural choices that harmed their case. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What if I miss my arraignment?
If you miss your arraignment, the court will likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest. A bench warrant authorizes law enforcement to take you into custody and bring you before the court. If you realize you have missed a court date, contact your attorney immediately. In some cases, a motion to recall the warrant can be filed with the court. Prompt action is important; delays can make the situation worse and may affect your release status. To discuss the details of your matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can charges be dismissed at an arraignment?
While it is uncommon for charges to be dismissed at the arraignment stage, the prosecution or the court may dismiss charges if there is a fundamental defect in the charging document or a violation of your right to a speedy presentment. Typically, however, the arraignment is a preliminary hearing, and substantive legal challenges come later through motions practice. Your attorney can review the charging instrument for deficiencies and advise you on an appropriate approach. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How does a criminal arraignment in DC differ from Maryland or Virginia?
The most significant difference for Chevy Chase residents whose cases are heard in DC is that DC does not use a traditional cash-bail system. Instead of a monetary bond amount, the PSA risk assessment largely determines pretrial release conditions. In contrast, Maryland and Virginia courts more frequently impose cash bail or secured bonds, though both states have reformed their bail systems in recent years. Additionally, the US Attorney’s Office prosecutes DC criminal cases in a federal-style framework, which can affect case timelines and plea negotiations. For jurisdiction-specific guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and practices criminal defense across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Together with his Of Counsel, Mr. Sris brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense matters, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
For additional information about criminal defense representation in the District of Columbia, visit:
Washington, D.C. Criminal defense |
Georgetown criminal defense |
Spring Valley criminal defense |
Cleveland Park criminal defense |
American University Park criminal defense
Outbound primary sources:
DC Superior Court |
DC Code Title 22 (Criminal Offenses) |
US Attorney’s Office for DC
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