What happens at a criminal arraignment in Manassas
At a criminal arraignment in Manassas, Virginia, the judge formally reads the charges against you, you enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest), and the court addresses bail and schedules the next hearing. This initial court appearance often happens at the Manassas General District Court for misdemeanors or the Manassas Circuit Court for felonies. Having a lawyer by your side at this stage is essential—your plea can affect your freedom, your criminal record, and the course of your entire case. After you enter a plea, the judge may set a trial date, schedule a preliminary hearing, or refer your case to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for further action. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have extensive experience guiding clients through arraignments and subsequent proceedings in Manassas and across Virginia. If you have an upcoming court date, contact our location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What to Expect at Your Arraignment in Manassas
When you arrive at the Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, you will check in at the clerk’s office or report directly to the courtroom. The court will call your case, and the judge or magistrate will advise you of the charge and the maximum possible penalties. You then have the opportunity to plead not guilty, guilty, or no contest. If you plead not guilty, a trial date will be set. Many first-time defendants find this process intimidating, but having an attorney present can make a significant difference. Your lawyer can explain the charges, advise you on the trusted plea for your situation, and request a bond reduction if you are still in custody.
If your case is a felony, your arraignment in the General District Court is limited to the formal reading of the charge and the entry of a plea; the court cannot accept a felony guilty plea. The case will then be sent to the Circuit Court for a full arraignment and trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes all criminal matters. Your attorney can challenge the evidence, argue for a reduction in bond, or begin discussing the possibility of a plea agreement with the prosecutor early in the process. Understanding these steps in advance can help you approach the arraignment with greater confidence.
The Criminal Court Process in Manassas, Virginia
After an arrest in Manassas, you are brought before a magistrate for an initial bond determination. The magistrate considers factors such as the seriousness of the charge, your ties to the community, and your criminal history, then sets a court date for arraignment. For misdemeanors, the case moves to the Manassas General District Court; for felonies, the General District Court conducts an initial appearance, but the full arraignment and trial take place in Circuit Court. Virginia law ensures that defendants are advised of their rights at each step, and you are entitled to legal representation throughout.
At the arraignment, the judge ensures you understand the charges, advises you of the right to an attorney (and appoints one if you qualify for a public defender), and records your plea. If you plead not guilty, the court will set a trial date. In the General District Court, trials are heard by a judge without a jury; if convicted, you have an automatic right to appeal to the Circuit Court for a new trial. Throughout this process, procedural deadlines and evidentiary rules shape how your case unfolds, making early legal guidance from a Manassas–experienced attorney especially valuable.
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 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). His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in law enforcement and prosecution, which gives the firm a thorough understanding of how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds a case and how police procedures can be challenged. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
The firm’s Fairfax location serves clients in Manassas and throughout Prince William County, the Thirty-first Judicial District, and all of Northern Virginia. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in the Manassas General District Court and Manassas Circuit Court. Their collaborative approach means that every client benefits from the collective insight of a team that knows both the courtroom and the investigative side of criminal law. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arraignments in Manassas
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is the first formal court hearing where a defendant is told of the charges and asked to enter a plea. During the hearing, the judge reads the charge, explains the potential penalties, and ensures the defendant understands their rights, including the right to an attorney. The defendant then pleads guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In Manassas, this usually happens at the Manassas General District Court or Circuit Court. Having a lawyer present helps protect your rights and can influence bail decisions and future proceedings.
Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer at arraignment, but having one is strongly recommended because the plea you enter can affect your whole case. A lawyer can explain the charges, negotiate with the prosecutor even at this early stage, request a bond reduction, and make sure you don’t say anything that could be used against you later. If you cannot afford a private attorney, you may request a court-appointed lawyer. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly represent clients at Manassas arraignments and can be reached at (888) 437-7747.
What happens if I plead guilty at arraignment?
If you plead guilty at arraignment, you waive your right to a trial and the court may proceed to sentencing immediately or set a sentencing date. For a misdemeanor, the judge can sentence you on the spot after hearing from both sides. For a felony in General District Court, a guilty plea cannot be accepted; the case transfers to Circuit Court. Pleading guilty has lasting consequences, including a criminal record, so it is critical to have legal counsel before making this decision.
What if I miss my arraignment in Manassas?
If you miss your arraignment, the judge will likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest and you may face additional charges for failure to appear. It is vital to contact an attorney immediately if you realize you will not be able to attend. Your lawyer can sometimes have the warrant recalled and reschedule the hearing. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we help clients address missed court dates and work to resolve the situation without further complications.
How is bail set at arraignment?
Bail is generally set by the magistrate before arraignment, but the arraignment judge can review and modify the bond amount based on the charges, your history, and flight risk. For many first-time misdemeanor offenses in Manassas, you may be released on your own recognizance without paying bail. For more serious charges, the court may set a secured bond. Your lawyer can present evidence and argument at the arraignment to support a lower bond or personal recognizance.
What court handles arraignments in Manassas?
Misdemeanor arraignments in Manassas take place at the Manassas General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. Felony cases begin with an initial appearance there and then move to the Manassas Circuit Court for arraignment and trial. Both courts follow the rules of the Thirty-first Judicial District. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes all criminal matters. Knowing which court you will appear in helps you arrive prepared and on time.
Can I change my plea after arraignment?
You can change your plea after arraignment in many situations, but the process depends on the stage of your case and court approval. In Virginia, you typically have the right to withdraw a guilty plea before sentencing if you can show a good reason, though the judge must agree. After sentencing, withdrawal becomes much more difficult. Always consult with your attorney before changing your plea to avoid unintended consequences.
How long does it take for an arraignment to be scheduled?
In Manassas, the arraignment date is set by the court after arrest and often occurs within a short period, depending on the court’s calendar and whether the defendant is in custody. Out-of-custody defendants usually receive a summons with a specific court date. The timing varies by case complexity and court schedule, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as you know you have a court date. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you understand the timeline and prepare for your appearance.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
Bring your summons or any paperwork you received from law enforcement, identification, and your attorney’s contact information. Dress neatly and arrive early to locate the courtroom. If you have already hired a lawyer, they will guide you on what to bring and may handle many procedural details. Avoid bringing prohibited items such as weapons or phones as directed by the court. Being prepared helps the process go smoothly.
Will my arraignment be public?
Yes, criminal arraignments in Manassas are generally open to the public unless the judge orders a closed hearing for a specific reason. Family members or friends can attend to provide support. However, what you say in court can be used in your case, so it is wise to discuss your strategy with your attorney beforehand. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you understand the public nature of the proceedings and protect your interests.
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.