What happens at a criminal arraignment in Manassas Park

An arraignment is the first court appearance after a criminal arrest in Manassas Park. During this hearing, the judge formally tells you what charges have been filed, advises you of your right to an attorney, and asks how you plead. The court also addresses whether you will be released on bond or held pending trial. In Manassas Park, misdemeanor arraignments take place at the Manassas Park General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. If you are facing a criminal charge, reaching an experienced defense attorney before your arraignment can make a significant difference in how your case is handled from the start. For a consultation about your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Understanding Your Arraignment in Manassas Park

The arraignment serves several key purposes. The judge will read the charging document—typically a warrant or summons—aloud so you know exactly what offense the Commonwealth is alleging. You will then be asked to enter a plea. Most defendants enter a plea of “not guilty” at the arraignment, which preserves all defense options and gives you time to review the evidence with your lawyer. If you plead guilty, the judge may proceed to sentencing immediately, though in more serious matters the court often sets a separate sentencing hearing.

In Manassas Park, the procedure differs depending on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor cases are heard entirely in the General District Court (GDC), while felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing in GDC but are then transferred to the Manassas Park Circuit Court for trial. Your arraignment will also address the issue of bond. The magistrate will have already set a bond amount shortly after your arrest, but your attorney can ask the judge to reduce that bond or release you on personal recognizance if circumstances warrant. Having a lawyer present at this stage helps you present the strong $1 for release and ensures your rights are protected from the very first court appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an arraignment in Manassas Park?

An arraignment is the initial court hearing where the judge advises you of the criminal charge, asks for your plea, and decides whether you will be released or detained while your case is pending. It is your first formal opportunity to hear what the Commonwealth is alleging and to respond. For misdemeanors, this hearing occurs at the Manassas Park General District Court; for felonies, the arraignment is part of the preliminary hearing process. You have the right to be represented by counsel at this stage, and anything you say during the arraignment can be used against you later.

Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer present at your arraignment, but it is strongly recommended. An experienced attorney can argue for a reasonable bond, ensure you do not make statements that could hurt your defense later, and begin developing a strategy for your case. If you appear without counsel, the judge will ask whether you intend to hire a private attorney or apply for a court-appointed lawyer. Going without a lawyer means you navigate the immediate custody decision and plea entry on your own, which can have lasting consequences.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney, you may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer under Virginia’s public defender system. At the arraignment, you can ask the judge to appoint counsel. The judge will review your financial situation using a sworn financial statement and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. For a misdemeanor charge in Manassas Park, the typical court-appointed attorney fee that may be assessed later is $120; for a felony, the fee can be $445 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and your ability to pay.

How does bail work after the arraignment?

A magistrate sets bond shortly after an arrest. For many first-offense misdemeanors in Manassas Park, the magistrate releases the defendant on personal recognizance, meaning no money is paid. For felonies or cases with a flight risk, a secured bond is more common, often requiring a bail bondsman to post a premium of approximately 10% of the bond amount. If the initial bond is too high, your attorney can ask the Manassas Park General District Court judge to reconsider and potentially lower the amount. Bond decisions take into account your ties to the community, criminal history, and the nature of the charge.

What are the penalties for a misdemeanor in Manassas Park, Virginia?

A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas Park carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Common Class 1 offenses include assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, petit larceny under $1,000 under Va. Code § 18.2-96, and driving on a suspended license under Va. Code § 46.2-301. Cases are heard at the Manassas Park General District Court. Penalties vary based on prior record, the specific facts of the case, and any mitigating evidence presented by your attorney.

What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Manassas Park?

Manassas Park General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, your entire case—from arraignment to trial—takes place in GDC. For a felony, the GDC conducts a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to send the case to the Manassas Park Circuit Court. In Circuit Court, you have the right to a jury trial, and the penalties are typically more severe. You also have an automatic right to appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.

Can criminal charges be expunged in Manassas Park, Virginia?

Virginia permits expungement for charges that ended in an acquittal, a dismissal, or a nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The expungement petition is filed in the Manassas Park Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession or certain deferred-disposition dispositions may also qualify for expungement or record sealing under separate provisions. Eligibility depends on how your case was resolved, so it is important to have your case outcome reviewed by a lawyer experienced in Virginia expungement procedures.

What should I bring to my arraignment?

You should bring a copy of any paperwork you received at the time of your arrest, such as a summons, warrant, or bond paperwork, along with a government-issued photo ID. If you have already retained a private attorney, your lawyer will likely advise you on any additional documents to bring. If you intend to ask for a court-appointed attorney, be prepared to fill out a financial affidavit showing your income, expenses, and assets. Dress appropriately and arrive early; the court expects defendants to appear promptly at the scheduled time.

How long will my case take after the arraignment?

Timelines vary depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony and the court’s schedule. In Manassas Park, a misdemeanor trial in General District Court generally takes place within four to eight weeks of the arraignment. For felonies, a preliminary hearing in GDC often occurs within 21 to 60 days of arrest, and the subsequent trial in Circuit Court may take three to nine months. Virginia law provides certain speedy trial protections—five months from arrest for a misdemeanor if the defendant is held continuously in custody, and nine months for a felony—but case schedules are set by the court and can shift.

Will I go to jail at my arraignment?

Whether you are taken into custody at or after your arraignment depends on the bond decision and the nature of the charge. If the magistrate already released you on bond or personal recognizance before the arraignment, you will typically remain free on those conditions. If the prosecutor asks the judge to revoke or increase your bond, or if you are facing a very serious felony, the judge could order you held. Your attorney can argue against detention and present evidence supporting your continued release.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals in criminal matters throughout Virginia, including Manassas Park. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads the firm and works alongside experienced Of Counsel attorneys who bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, backed by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team appears regularly in the Manassas Park General District and Circuit Courts, handling misdemeanor and felony defense, bond motions, and post-conviction relief. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 3 case results in Manassas Park with favorable outcomes in all reported instances. Reach our Fairfax location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Practicing since 1997.

Last reviewed: June 2026

For additional criminal defense resources, see our pages on Fairfax County criminal defense, Prince William County criminal defense, Manassas City criminal defense, and Falls Church criminal defense.

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