What happens at a criminal arraignment in Bedford County
You received a summons or were released on bond with a date to appear at the Bedford County courthouse. The paper says “arraignment,” and you may not know what that means or what you are expected to do. An arraignment is the first formal court proceeding in a Virginia criminal case — the moment the charges against you are read aloud and you enter a plea. Showing up without understanding the process can put you at a disadvantage from the start. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients at arraignments in Bedford County General District Court and Bedford County Circuit Court. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation before your court date. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What You Should Do Before the Arraignment
An arraignment is not a trial, but the decisions you make at this stage affect everything that follows. The court will ask how you plead — guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere. Your answer sets the direction of your case. Before that moment, you should understand the charges against you, the potential consequences, and whether any procedural options may be available. Speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney before the arraignment helps you evaluate the prosecution’s case, identify potential weaknesses, and decide on a plea that protects your interests. In Bedford County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes criminal matters, and a not-guilty plea preserves your right to challenge the evidence at a later hearing. Do not wait until the arraignment to begin preparing.
What to Expect at the Bedford County Courthouse
On the day of your arraignment, you will appear at either the Bedford County General District Court or the Bedford County Circuit Court, depending on whether you face a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Both courts are located at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523. Plan to arrive early to find parking and locate the correct courtroom. When your case is called, the judge will read the charges against you and ask for your plea. In General District Court, where misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings are heard, the arraignment may be combined with an advisement of your rights. In Circuit Court, where felony trials are held, the arraignment is a separate proceeding that occurs after the case has been certified from the lower court or an indictment has been returned. If you do not have an attorney, the court will ask whether you intend to hire one or need court-appointed counsel. The entire proceeding typically lasts only a few minutes, but the plea you enter carries significant weight.
After the plea, the court may address bond conditions. If you were released before the arraignment, the judge can modify the terms of your release. If you are in custody, bail may be set or reviewed. The court schedules the next hearing date — a trial date in General District Court for misdemeanors, or a preliminary hearing date for felony charges that will determine whether probable cause exists to send the case to the Circuit Court.
Understanding the Potential Consequences
A criminal charge in Bedford County carries consequences that extend beyond the courtroom. Under Virginia law, a Class 1 misdemeanor — the classification for many common offenses such as assault and battery or petit larceny — is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to six months in jail. Felony charges are more serious still: a Class 5 felony carries a potential sentence of one to ten years, and a Class 6 felony carries one to five years. A conviction can also affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. First-offender programs may be available for certain offenses, and successful completion can result in dismissal of the charge. Expungement may be available for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi dispositions under Virginia law. The arraignment is the starting point — the decisions made there shape your path through the criminal justice system.
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 founding the firm in 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 bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas. In Bedford County specifically, the firm has achieved favorable outcomes in every reported instance — 3 dismissed or not guilty, and 1 other favorable resolution among documented results. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients at arraignments throughout Bedford County, including the communities of Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. Our Shenandoah location serves Bedford County clients at 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a criminal arraignment?
An arraignment is the first formal court hearing in a criminal case where the charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. In Virginia, the arraignment serves as the official start of the court process. The judge advises the defendant of the charges filed by the Commonwealth, confirms that the defendant understands the right to counsel, and asks how the defendant pleads. The three plea options are guilty, not guilty, and nolo contendere. A not-guilty plea preserves the right to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. The arraignment is generally brief, but it establishes the procedural path the case will follow through the Bedford County court system.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Bedford County?
You are not legally required to have an attorney at your arraignment, but appearing without one can put you at risk. The plea you enter at arraignment is binding and sets the course of your case. Without counsel, you may not fully understand the charges or the consequences of a particular plea. The court will ask whether you plan to hire an attorney or need court-appointed counsel. If you qualify financially, the court may appoint a public defender or court-appointed attorney. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer with you helps ensure your rights are protected from the start. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 before your arraignment date.
What happens if I plead not guilty at the arraignment?
A not-guilty plea means you dispute the charges and the case will proceed to the next stage. In Bedford County General District Court, the judge will set a trial date. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing date is scheduled to determine whether probable cause exists to certify the case to Circuit Court. A not-guilty plea preserves all your legal rights — the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and you retain the right to challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a defense. You may change your plea later if a negotiated resolution is reached, but entering a not-guilty plea at arraignment keeps your options open.
Can the judge set bail at the arraignment in Bedford County?
Yes, bond conditions can be addressed at the arraignment. If you were arrested and released before the arraignment, the judge may review and modify the terms of your release. If you are in custody, the court may set bond or review the magistrate’s initial bond determination. In Bedford County, personal recognizance — release without payment — is common for first-offense misdemeanors. For felony charges, a secured bond may be required. Your attorney can argue for reasonable bond conditions and present information about your ties to the community, employment, and lack of flight risk to support a lower bond or release on recognizance.
What is the difference between a GDC arraignment and a Circuit Court arraignment?
General District Court handles misdemeanor arraignments and felony preliminary hearings; Circuit Court handles felony arraignments after certification or indictment. In Bedford County General District Court, the arraignment for a misdemeanor is often combined with the first appearance, and the case stays in that court. For a felony, the GDC holds a preliminary hearing rather than a trial — if the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to Bedford County Circuit Court, where a separate arraignment occurs. Circuit Court arraignments follow grand jury indictments or GDC certifications and are more formal proceedings. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
What should I bring with me to my arraignment?
Bring your summons or bond paperwork, a form of identification, and contact information for your attorney. The summons or bond document contains your case number and the specific charge, which the court will reference. Dress respectfully — court attire matters and can influence how the judge perceives you. Arrive early to allow time for parking and to find the correct courtroom at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523. If you have retained an attorney, confirm that your lawyer knows the date and time. Do not bring weapons, and leave unnecessary items at home. Turn off your cell phone before entering the courtroom.
What happens if I do not show up for my arraignment?
Failing to appear at your arraignment can result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest. A failure-to-appear charge may be added to your existing case, and any bond you posted may be forfeited. The court takes non-appearance seriously — it signals to the judge that you are not taking the charges seriously. If you have a legitimate reason for missing the arraignment, such as a medical emergency, contact your attorney immediately. Your lawyer may be able to explain the absence to the court and request a new date. But missing court without a valid reason compounds your legal problems. If you realize you cannot make your court date, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 right away to discuss your options.
Can charges be dropped at the arraignment?
It is uncommon for charges to be dropped at the arraignment itself, but procedural challenges can sometimes lead to early resolution. The arraignment is primarily a plea-entry proceeding, not an evidentiary hearing. However, if your attorney identifies a fundamental defect — such as a charging document that fails to state an offense — the issue may be raised. More often, early resolution comes through discussions with the Commonwealth’s Attorney before or after the arraignment, particularly if the evidence is weak or a procedural issue exists. An experienced defense attorney can assess whether grounds exist to seek dismissal and can engage with the prosecutor at the earliest opportunity.
How long does an arraignment take in Bedford County?
Most arraignments take only a few minutes. The court calls your case, reads the charges, asks for your plea, addresses any bond-related issues, and schedules the next hearing. The brevity of the proceeding can be misleading — the decisions made in those few minutes carry significant weight. You should prepare thoroughly, understand the charges and potential consequences, and have counsel present. Your attorney can answer any questions the judge may have and ensure your rights are protected throughout the proceeding. The court’s calendar determines how long you may wait before your case is called, so plan to be at the courthouse for a morning or afternoon session.
Will I go to jail at my arraignment?
Not necessarily. Whether you are taken into custody depends on the charges, your criminal history, and the bond determination. If you were released on bond before the arraignment and the judge does not modify your release conditions, you will remain free while your case proceeds. If the charges are serious or you have a prior record, the prosecution may ask for a higher bond or for you to be held without bond. In some cases, particularly for certain felony charges, the law presumes against release. Your attorney can present arguments for release on recognizance or for a bond amount you can afford. Having counsel at the arraignment to address bond issues is a critical step in protecting your liberty.
Request a Consultation
If you have an arraignment scheduled in Bedford County, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients at arraignments in Bedford County General District Court and Bedford County Circuit Court. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For a more detailed statutory analysis of Virginia criminal procedure, visit our comprehensive Virginia criminal defense overview.
Related pages: Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bedford County · Disorderly Conduct Lawyer Bedford County · Misdemeanor Lawyer Bedford County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
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