What happens at a criminal arraignment in Bedford County
You were pulled over on Route 460 late Friday night and arrested for DUI. After a few hours at the Bedford County Adult Detention Center, you were released on a personal recognizance bond with a piece of paper ordering you to appear in court on Tuesday morning. That paper says “arraignment” at the bottom, and you are not sure what to expect. An arraignment is the first formal court appearance after a criminal arrest in Bedford County, Virginia. It is not a trial. At this hearing, the judge will tell you exactly what charges the Commonwealth’s Attorney has filed, ask whether you have an attorney or need one appointed, and determine your bond conditions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps people facing arraignment in Bedford County General District Court. Reach us at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Walking into the Bedford County General District Court
The Bedford County General District Court sits at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, in downtown Bedford. When you walk through the metal detectors and into the courtroom, you will see a mix of people: defendants waiting for their names to be called, family members, victims, and attorneys. The courtroom is presided over by Hon. Sam Daniel Eggleston III. Misdemeanor arraignments are typically held on weekday mornings, and the docket moves quickly. You will be one of many that day. An arraignment usually lasts only a few minutes, but the decisions made in those minutes can affect your case for months. Having an experienced defense attorney by your side ensures that you understand what is happening and that you do not inadvertently say something that hurts your defense later.
The procedure is fairly routine. The judge calls your name. You walk to the front with your attorney. The clerk reads the charge—for example, “violation of Virginia Code § 18.2-266, driving while intoxicated.” The judge will ask if you understand the charge. The judge will then advise you of your right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, the court may appoint a public defender or court-appointed counsel, but you must first complete a financial eligibility form. If you already have private counsel, like Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, your attorney will enter a notice of appearance and handle the rest. The judge will then address bond. If you were already released, the bond conditions may be reviewed. Conditions might include not driving, not drinking alcohol, or not leaving the state. The judge sets the next court date—usually a trial date or a preliminary hearing date if the charge is a felony—and you are free to leave.
Strategy Options at Arraignment
Many people think an arraignment is just procedural box-checking, but an alert defense attorney can use it to lay groundwork for the entire case. Your attorney can ask the judge to modify bond conditions if they are too restrictive—for example, an ignition interlock requirement that prevents you from getting to work. If the charge is a misdemeanor, your attorney might negotiate with the prosecutor right there to see if the charge can be amended or reduced. In Virginia, prosecutors have wide discretion to reduce or dismiss charges, and a well-prepared attorney who arrives early and reviews the police report can sometimes resolve the case at the arraignment. But many cases need time to investigate—collecting officer body-worn camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and filing pretrial motions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team evaluate every case to decide whether to seek immediate resolution or request a later trial date to build a stronger defense.
What To Expect After Arraignment
After the arraignment, you will walk out of the courthouse with a written notice of your next court date. For a misdemeanor like petit larceny or simple assault, your trial will be set in General District Court usually within a few weeks. For a felony, your case will be set for a preliminary hearing in General District Court, and if probable cause is found, later transferred to Bedford County Circuit Court for trial. Between now and your next hearing, your attorney will request discovery, talk to the prosecutor, and begin preparing your defense. You must comply with all bond conditions, or you risk being taken back into custody. Many people miss this: a criminal conviction in Virginia can mean jail time, fines, a permanent record that affects employment and housing, and for non-citizens, immigration consequences. This is why early representation is critical.
Navigating Virginia Penalties
While every case is different, Virginia’s criminal statutes outline possible ranges. A Class 1 misdemeanor—such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57—carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A Class 6 felony, like felony petit larceny (third offense), can mean one to five years in prison. A DUI first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor with mandatory minimum penalties including a fine, license suspension, and possible jail time. The specific sentence depends on the facts, your prior record, and the quality of your defense. First-offender programs may be available for some charges, allowing eligible defendants to complete conditions and have the case dismissed. For a full statutory breakdown, see our comprehensive analysis at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work. He founded the firm in 1997 and has practiced 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). He keeps his personal caseload small to ensure deep involvement. Working alongside Mr. Sris, his Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds as a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm serves Bedford County from its Shenandoah location at 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss my arraignment in Bedford County?
If you miss your arraignment, the judge likely will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. A bench warrant means you can be taken into custody at any time—during a traffic stop, at home, or at work. It also may result in a revocation of your bond and new charges for failure to appear. You should contact an attorney immediately if you missed court. In some cases, the warrant can be recalled, but the longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes.
Can the charges be dropped at the arraignment?
Yes, it is possible but not common. If the prosecutor determines there is insufficient evidence or the officer failed to establish probable cause, the charge may be dismissed or nolle prosequi entered. An experienced defense attorney can sometimes persuade the prosecutor to drop the case at that early stage, especially for minor offenses with no prior record. However, most cases proceed to the next hearing.
Do I need a lawyer at the arraignment?
You are not required to have a lawyer at arraignment, but it is strongly advised. Anything you say to the judge or prosecutor can be used against you later. An attorney will speak on your behalf, ensure your rights are protected, and begin working to achieve favorable outcomes. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request a court-appointed lawyer, but private counsel can be retained and often provide more immediate and individual case review.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
Bring your summons, any paperwork you received upon arrest, a pen, and a notepad. Arrive early, dress neatly, and turn off your cell phone. Do not bring weapons, drugs, or any contraband. If you have hired an attorney, bring their contact information. If you hope to have a public defender, bring proof of income and expenses, as the court will require financial information.
Will I go to jail at the arraignment?
Not necessarily. If you were released on bond before arraignment and you appear as ordered, you will remain free under the same conditions unless the prosecutor argues for a higher bond and the judge agrees. If this was an arrest on a warrant and you are brought in custody, the judge will set or review your bond. An attorney can argue for a lower bond or for release on recognizance.
How long does an arraignment take?
An arraignment hearing itself usually takes only a few minutes. The entire morning, however, may stretch from 8:00 a.m. Until early afternoon because the court hears many cases. You must stay in the courtroom until your case is called. After your turn, you are free to leave and will receive a written notice of the next court date.
Can I speak directly to the judge at the arraignment?
You may, but it is rarely a good idea without an attorney. The judge will ask if you understand the charge and if you have an attorney. Anything you say beyond answering those questions can be used against you. A defense attorney will speak on your behalf, protecting you from inadvertently admitting facts or making statements that weaken your case.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
You can ask the judge to appoint a lawyer for you at the arraignment. The court will require you to complete a financial affidavit. If the judge finds you indigent, a public defender or court-appointed attorney will be assigned to your case. In some circumstances, you may be required to reimburse the state a portion of the attorney fees. A private defense attorney can also be retained, and many offer payment plans.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony arraignment in Bedford County?
The procedure is similar, but a felony arraignment often leads to a preliminary hearing rather than a quick trial date. For felonies, the General District Court judge will not take a plea—the case must go to a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause, then to Circuit Court for trial or plea. In misdemeanor cases, the judge may accept a plea of guilty or not guilty and may resolve the case that day.
Can the arraignment be waived?
In some cases, your attorney may waive the arraignment and enter a not-guilty plea on your behalf. This is common when an attorney is retained early and files a written waiver with the court. It avoids the need for you to appear personally at that initial hearing. Your attorney will advise you whether waiving the arraignment is appropriate in your situation.
For a full statutory breakdown of Virginia criminal laws and penalties, see Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.’s comprehensive analysis.
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.