What happens at a criminal arraignment in Greene County
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance after an arrest in Greene County, Virginia. For misdemeanor charges, the arraignment takes place at the Greene County General District Court, located at 85 Stanard Street in Stanardsville. For felony charges, the arraignment occurs in the Greene County Circuit Court after indictment. At the hearing, the judge informs the defendant of the specific charges, advises of the right to an attorney, and asks for a plea—usually not guilty at this stage. The court also addresses bail or bond conditions. Because what happens at this early proceeding can shape the entire case, having experienced counsel present is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practicing since 1997, represents individuals at arraignments in Greene County and throughout Virginia. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Criminal Arraignment Involves in Greene County
The Greene County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. When a person is arrested, a magistrate sets initial bond outside of court. Many first-offense misdemeanors are released on personal recognizance, meaning no cash payment is required. For felony charges, secured bond is more common; a bail bondsman typically charges a non‑refundable premium of approximately ten percent of the bond amount. The court‑appointed public defender program is available for those who qualify financially, with administrative fees that may include $120 for a misdemeanor case or $445 and above for a felony matter.
At the arraignment itself, the judge reads the charges and may ask the defendant how they plead. Most defendants enter a plea of not guilty at this stage to preserve all rights. The judge also confirms whether the defendant has retained counsel or if counsel will be appointed. The Greene County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. After arraignment, the case proceeds to the next scheduled event: for misdemeanors, a trial date is set, typically within four to eight weeks; for felonies, a preliminary hearing in the General District Court is held within 21 to 60 days of arrest, and if the case is certified to Circuit Court, trial may follow in three to nine months. Virginia speedy‑trial rights require the Commonwealth to bring a misdemeanor case to trial within five months of arrest and a felony case within nine months if the defendant is incarcerated.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Arraignment and Criminal Defense
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team approach arraignment as more than a procedural formality. They review the probable cause statement, police reports, and charging documents before the hearing. At the arraignment, they ensure the defendant understands the charges and the potential consequences, advise on the plea, and argue for reasonable bail or personal recognizance when appropriate. Because bail conditions can affect employment and family responsibilities while the case is pending, the team works to present a complete picture of the defendant’s community ties and background.
Beyond the arraignment, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore every available defense. In Greene County, first‑offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 may allow for deferred disposition, meaning the court dismisses the charge after successful completion of probation‑like conditions. In cases that cannot be resolved through negotiation, the team prepares for trial. They challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence, examine witness credibility, and, when appropriate, move to suppress evidence obtained in violation of constitutional protections. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to achieve favorable resolutions. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings firsthand insight into how the Commonwealth builds its case. He founded the firm in 1997 and maintains a limited personal caseload, handling criminal matters collaboratively with his Of Counsel. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The Of Counsel team consists of experienced attorneys who work with Mr. Sris on criminal defense cases. Every attorney has well over a decade of practice experience, and together they bring a documented track record of over 4,739 firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team routinely appears in courts throughout Virginia, including Greene County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I plead not guilty at my arraignment in Greene County?
Pleading not guilty at arraignment preserves your right to a trial and to challenge the evidence against you. In Greene County, a not‑guilty plea leads the court to schedule a trial date for a misdemeanor or a preliminary hearing for a felony. The Commonwealth must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney can then begin discovery, file motions, and prepare a defense. Changing a plea later is possible if a resolution is reached.
Can I be released on my own recognizance at arraignment in Greene County?
Yes, many first‑offense misdemeanor defendants in Greene County are released on personal recognizance, meaning no cash bail is required. The magistrate initially sets bond after arrest, and the judge can review bail at arraignment. Factors such as ties to the community, employment, and prior record are considered. Having an attorney present to present your circumstances may improve the likelihood of release on recognizance or a lower bond.
Do I need a lawyer for my arraignment in Greene County General District Court?
A lawyer is not required by law for arraignment, but having counsel at this early stage protects your rights and can influence bail and the case trajectory. At arraignment, the judge will advise you of the right to retain counsel or, if you qualify financially, to have the court appoint a public defender. The decisions made at arraignment—including the plea and bail conditions—can have lasting effects. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation in Greene County. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between the Greene County General District Court and the Circuit Court for criminal cases?
The Greene County General District Court hears misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while the Greene County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from the district court. If a felony charge passes a preliminary hearing in the General District Court, the case is certified to the Circuit Court, where the defendant is arraigned again on an indictment. The Circuit Court also provides the right to a jury trial for any offense carrying potential jail time. Defendants can appeal a district court conviction to the Circuit Court for a new trial de novo.
Related: Criminal Defense Lawyer in Greene County, VA ·
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers
Greene County Combined Courts ·
Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.