What happens at a criminal arraignment in Greene County
If you are facing a criminal charge in Greene County, Virginia, you may be wondering what happens at an arraignment. An arraignment is the first court hearing after an arrest, where the defendant appears before a judge, hears the formal charges, and enters a plea. In Greene County, misdemeanor arraignments occur at the Greene County General District Court, while felony arraignments start in the same court for a preliminary hearing before moving to Greene County Circuit Court. The judge will advise you of your rights, consider bail or bond, and set future court dates. Having an experienced attorney by your side is essential to protect your rights and navigate this critical stage. To request a consultation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What to Expect at Your Arraignment in Greene County
When your case is called, the judge will ask you to state your name and confirm your identity. The clerk then reads the charges—for example, a misdemeanor like petit larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-96 or a felony such as grand larceny under § 18.2-95. Next, the judge advises you of your rights: the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a trial. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the judge may appoint the public defender or a court-appointed attorney.
You will then enter a plea. In Greene County General District Court, you typically enter “not guilty” to preserve all defenses, because a guilty plea results in immediate sentencing. The judge then addresses bail or bond. For many first-offense misdemeanors, you may be released on personal recognizance—no money down. For felonies, secured bond may be set, requiring a bail bondsman. Your attorney can argue for a lower bond or release conditions. The judge schedules the next court date: a trial date for misdemeanors or a preliminary hearing for felonies. Having skilled representation at this early stage can influence everything from your pretrial freedom to the overall direction of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is your first court appearance after an arrest, where a judge reads the charges, advises you of your rights, and you enter a plea. In Greene County, the hearing takes place at the General District Court for misdemeanors or as a preliminary step for felonies. The judge also decides on bail and sets the next court date. It is not a trial, but what happens here can affect the entire case. Having an attorney present helps you understand the proceedings and protect your rights.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Greene County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Greene County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases are heard at the Greene County General District Court, 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled matters resulting in dismissed charges in Greene County; Results may vary. and prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. For guidance on your specific situation, call (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Greene County?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for an arraignment, but having one can be critical. At this hearing, bail is set, a plea is entered, and procedural deadlines begin. An attorney can argue for personal recognizance release instead of cash bail, advise you on whether to plead not guilty, and start building your defense. Without counsel, you risk making decisions that can hurt your case later. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your arraignment.
How does bail work in Greene County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest, and the judge reviews it at arraignment. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Greene County. Secured bond (a bail bondsman charges approximately 10% of the bond amount) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to the Greene County General District Court. Eligibility for public defender services depends on income, and court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony). An attorney can argue for lower bail or release on recognizance.
What happens if I plead not guilty at arraignment?
If you plead not guilty, the case proceeds to trial or a preliminary hearing. For misdemeanors in Greene County General District Court, the judge will set a trial date, usually within a few weeks to a couple of months. For felonies, a preliminary hearing date is set to determine whether probable cause exists; if so, the case is sent to the Greene County Circuit Court for a grand jury and trial. You have the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
What happens after arraignment in Greene County?
After arraignment, your next court date will depend on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. For a misdemeanor, you return for trial and any pretrial motions. For a felony, you attend a preliminary hearing in General District Court; if the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Circuit Court. From there, a grand jury may indict, and a trial date is set. Throughout this process, discovery is exchanged, and plea negotiations may occur. Having counsel early ensures you meet all deadlines and preserve your rights.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Greene County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, but most convictions cannot be expunged. A petition for expungement is filed in Greene County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has obtained dismissals in Greene County; Results may vary. and prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. To discuss whether your record may be sealed, call (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Greene County?
Greene County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Greene County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. The GDC is located at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973. An experienced criminal defense attorney can explain which court will hear your case and help you prepare accordingly. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing criminal defense since 1997. A former prosecutor, he testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. To discuss your arraignment in Greene County, call (888) 437-7747.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.