What happens at a criminal arraignment in Prince William County
A criminal arraignment in Prince William County is the first formal court appearance after an arrest, where the accused hears the charges against them and enters a plea. For misdemeanor cases, the arraignment takes place in the Prince William County General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue in Manassas. Felony cases initially appear in General District Court for a preliminary hearing, and the formal arraignment occurs later in Prince William County Circuit Court after an indictment. At the arraignment, the judge will inform the defendant of the right to counsel—including the right to a court-appointed attorney if they cannot afford one—and will address the issue of bail or pretrial release. The judge will also schedule the next court date. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly at this courthouse and serve clients from Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, and throughout Prince William County. To confidentially discuss your arraignment with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Happens During the Arraignment
When your case is called, the judge reads the charges against you. You will then enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or, in some situations, no contest. If you plead not guilty, the judge will set a trial date. In General District Court, the trial is typically scheduled within a few months. For felony cases, once the case is certified or indicted, the Circuit Court arraignment sets the timetable for pretrial motions and trial. The judge will also address any bail or bond conditions. If you were not already released after arrest, your attorney can argue for your release on personal recognizance or a reasonable secured bond. A bail bondsman may charge a fee, typically a percentage of the bond amount, to post bail if ordered.
Having a lawyer at the arraignment is critical. An experienced criminal defense attorney can protect your rights, challenge the sufficiency of the charges, argue for your release, and begin building your defense immediately. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team understand the local court procedures and can help you navigate the arraignment process with clarity and confidence. They will explain the charges, the potential penalties under Virginia law, and the steps ahead so that you can make informed decisions from the very start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a criminal arraignment?
A criminal arraignment is the court hearing where the charges against a defendant are formally presented and the defendant enters a plea. In Prince William County, this is typically the first appearance in court after arrest. For misdemeanors, the arraignment occurs in the General District Court. For felonies, the initial appearance in General District Court is a preliminary hearing; the formal arraignment on the charges happens later in Circuit Court after indictment. The judge will also address the issue of legal representation and bail during this proceeding.
What happens if I plead not guilty at my arraignment?
If you plead not guilty at your arraignment in Prince William County, the court will set your case for trial, and you will have the opportunity to contest the charges. In General District Court, a trial date is usually set within a few months. For felonies in Circuit Court, the trial will be scheduled after any pretrial motions are resolved. Your attorney will begin to prepare your defense, gather evidence, and may explore plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney on your behalf.
Can I be released on bail at arraignment?
Yes, bail or release conditions may be determined at your arraignment. In Prince William County, for many first-offense misdemeanor charges, the magistrate or judge may release you on your own recognizance—meaning no payment is required. For more serious offenses, the court may set a secured bond. A bail bondsman, who typically charges a fee, can help post the bond. Your attorney can argue for the most favorable release terms at the hearing.
Do I need a lawyer at arraignment?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer at your arraignment, but the presence of an experienced criminal defense attorney is highly advisable. A lawyer can protect your constitutional rights, advocate for your release, explain the charges and possible consequences, and begin developing a strategy to challenge the prosecution’s case. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., the team has extensive experience appearing at Prince William County courts and can provide guidance from the very first hearing.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
You should bring a valid form of identification, any paperwork you received at the time of your arrest, and the contact information for your attorney and family members. Dress respectfully, as the courtroom environment demands decorum. Your attorney can advise you on any additional documents that may be helpful for the bond argument or for addressing any immediate concerns the judge may raise.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony arraignment in Prince William County?
A misdemeanor arraignment takes place in the Prince William County General District Court, while a felony arraignment occurs in the Prince William County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment. In misdemeanor cases, the arraignment is typically the first court appearance where the plea is entered. For felonies, the initial appearance in General District Court handles bail and appointment of counsel, and a formal arraignment on the indictment is held later in Circuit Court to enter the plea.
Where does the arraignment take place?
Arraignments for Prince William County criminal cases are held at the Prince William County General District Court or Prince William County Circuit Court, both located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. Misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies are heard in the General District Court; felony arraignments after indictment are handled in the Circuit Court. The courthouse serves the entire county, including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, and surrounding communities.
What if I miss my arraignment date?
Missing your arraignment can result in the court issuing a bench warrant for your arrest, and you may face additional charges or complications. If you have a legitimate reason for missing the hearing, contact your attorney immediately. Your lawyer can contact the court, explain the situation, and try to have the warrant recalled and a new court date set. It is critical not to ignore a missed court date.
What is the role of the Commonwealth’s Attorney at arraignment?
The Commonwealth’s Attorney represents the state and prosecutes the case against you. At the arraignment, a prosecutor may be present to state the charges and make arguments about bail or conditions of release. The prosecutor may also provide the defense with initial discovery or discuss the possibility of a plea agreement. Having your own attorney at this stage ensures that you are not at a disadvantage during these discussions.
Can charges be dismissed at arraignment?
It is uncommon for charges to be dismissed outright at the arraignment, but your attorney can sometimes challenge procedural errors or insufficient evidence that may lead to early dismissal. More often, the arraignment is the starting point for building a defense that ultimately results in a favorable resolution. Your lawyer will evaluate the case and determine an appropriate $1 of action, which may include motions to dismiss later in the process.
How soon after arrest does arraignment happen?
After an arrest, the arraignment is scheduled promptly, usually at the next available session of the court. For someone held in custody, the hearing may occur within a very short timeframe, often on the next business day. If you are released on a summons, the arraignment date will be set out a short period. Your attorney can confirm the exact date and help you prepare.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in 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). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal matters, with over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly in Prince William County courts and work to achieve favorable outcomes for clients. To discuss your arraignment and receive legal counsel, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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