What happens at a criminal arraignment in Shenandoah
You were arrested in Shenandoah County — maybe on a disorderly conduct charge after a night out in Woodstock, or perhaps a more serious felony. The first formal court date you will face is the arraignment. It may be your first time inside the Shenandoah County General District Court at 112 S Main Street. Knowing what to expect can ease the anxiety that comes with a criminal charge. At the arraignment, the charges against you are read aloud, and you enter a plea. A judge or magistrate will also address bail, your right to counsel, and future court dates. Having an attorney who knows the local court — like Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team — can make the difference between confusion and clarity. The firm’s Shenandoah Location is at 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664. To speak with an attorney about your case, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What happens at a Shenandoah County arraignment — step by step
The arraignment is a hearing, not a trial. No evidence is presented; no witnesses testify. In Shenandoah County, misdemeanor arraignments are held in General District Court, while felony arraignments take place in Circuit Court. The purpose is straightforward: to inform the defendant of the charges and to set the procedural path.
The judge or magistrate will first confirm your identity and state each charge filed against you. You will then be asked how you plead — guilty, not guilty, or in some cases, no contest. If you do not have an attorney, the court will inquire whether you wish to hire one or, if you qualify, have a public defender appointed. The court will also review or set bond conditions. Bail in Shenandoah County is determined by a magistrate at the time of arrest, but the judge at arraignment may modify it based on factors like the nature of the offense and your ties to the community. Finally, the judge will schedule the next court date — typically a trial date for a misdemeanor or a preliminary hearing date for a felony if it has not already occurred. The timeline varies based on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is an arraignment?
An arraignment is the formal court proceeding where the defendant hears the charges and enters a plea. It is not a trial. The judge reads each charge, ensures the defendant understands the allegations, and asks how they plead. The court also addresses bail, the right to an attorney, and scheduling for future hearings. In Shenandoah County, this typically happens in the General District Court for misdemeanors and in Circuit Court for felonies. An attorney can appear alongside the defendant to protect their rights from the very first hearing.
When does the arraignment happen after an arrest in Shenandoah County?
The arraignment takes place at the first scheduled court date following arrest and booking, usually within days to a few weeks. In Virginia, the timing follows statutory guidelines, but the exact date is set by the court calendar. For misdemeanors, the arraignment may be combined with the trial date in the General District Court. For felonies, the arraignment in Circuit Court occurs after a preliminary hearing has been held in General District Court and the case is certified to the higher court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team help clients track deadlines and appear prepared.
Do I need a lawyer for my arraignment?
You have the right to counsel at your arraignment, and having an attorney present is strongly advisable. An attorney can argue for lower bail, negotiate with the prosecutor before charges are formally read, and ensure you understand the potential consequences of a guilty or no-contest plea. In Shenandoah County, defendants sometimes appear alone at arraignment, but any misstep — such as an ill-advised plea — can affect the entire case. The court will appoint a public defender if you are eligible, but you may also retain private counsel like Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team.
What happens if I plead not guilty at my arraignment?
If you plead not guilty, the case proceeds toward trial, and a future court date is set for adjudication. In a Shenandoah County misdemeanor, the trial may be scheduled in General District Court. For a felony, the case first goes to a preliminary hearing in General District Court, then, if the judge finds probable cause, to Circuit Court for arraignment and trial. A not-guilty plea preserves all your legal options. Your attorney can use the time between arraignment and trial to evaluate evidence, file motions, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Shenandoah County.
Can the arraignment be held remotely or by phone?
In Shenandoah County, arraignments are generally in person, though limited virtual appearances may be available under certain circumstances. The courts have adopted video conferencing for some procedural matters, but physical presence is the norm for arraignments. If you have a legitimate reason you cannot appear in person, your attorney can file a motion requesting a virtual appearance. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can advise whether such a request is likely to be granted for your specific situation. Never miss an arraignment without a court-approved reason; failure to appear can result in a bench warrant.
Should I discuss my case at the arraignment?
You should not discuss the facts of your case at arraignment — only enter your plea and speak through your attorney. The arraignment is not the place to argue your side of the story. Anything you say about the incident can be used against you later. The judge will not expect you to provide a detailed account. If you have not yet hired an attorney, you may ask the court for time to retain one before entering a plea. Consult with counsel before the hearing so you are prepared. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 before your court date.
What is the role of the Commonwealth’s Attorney at the arraignment?
The Commonwealth’s Attorney represents the Commonwealth of Virginia and will be present at the arraignment to state the charges and, often, to provide a bail recommendation. For Shenandoah County cases, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Shenandoah County prosecutes. They may also indicate the state’s willingness to negotiate a plea or address whether they will seek a jail sentence. Having a defense attorney at the arraignment allows you to assess the prosecution’s early position and respond through proper legal channels.
How long does a typical arraignment take in Shenandoah County?
An arraignment itself is brief — often between five and fifteen minutes — but the wait for your case to be called can be longer. The Shenandoah County General District Court handles a full docket each day, so you may spend time waiting in the courtroom before your matter is heard. After the hearing, you will receive a paper with your next court date and any new bond conditions. Arrive early, dress respectfully, and have your attorney prepared to address any unexpected issues that may arise.
Will I be taken into custody at the arraignment?
You ordinarily remain free on your existing bond or are released after the arraignment unless the judge revokes or modifies your bond. If you were arrested and released on bond prior to arraignment, you generally remain at liberty unless there is a violation of bond conditions or new offenses. The judge may increase or decrease bond depending on the circumstances. If you were denied bond previously, your attorney can argue for release at arraignment. Any change in custody status will be determined by the judge that day.
What happens after the arraignment?
After the arraignment, the case proceeds to the next phase: trial, preliminary hearing, or pretrial proceedings depending on the plea and the charge level. For a misdemeanor, a trial date in Shenandoah County General District Court is set within a timeframe the court determines based on its schedule. For a felony, the case goes to Circuit Court. Between arraignment and trial, your attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and explore possible resolutions, such as a plea agreement or, for qualifying cases, a first-offender program.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work and 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). His Of Counsel team, engaged through Excella, includes a former Virginia State Trooper who brings firsthand understanding of law enforcement procedures — a significant advantage for criminal defendants in Shenandoah County. The firm’s Shenandoah Location at 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, serves clients throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm has handled 4,739+ documented firm-wide results.
Authoritative Virginia Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 18.2 — Crimes and Offenses Generally
- Virginia’s Judicial System — Court Information and Forms
- Shenandoah County General District Court — Official Page
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. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.