What happens at a DUI arraignment in Prince William County
A DUI arraignment in Prince William County is your first court appearance after being charged with driving under the influence. It takes place at the Prince William County General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. At this hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges, advise you of your rights, and ask you to enter a plea. Having an attorney with you at this stage can help protect your interests—the decisions made at arraignment can affect the rest of your case. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in the Prince William County area, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What to Expect at Your Arraignment in Prince William County General District Court
The arraignment is a procedural hearing, not a trial. The judge will read the charge against you—typically a violation of —and make sure you understand it. You will be asked how you plead: not guilty, guilty, or no contest (nolo contendere). For most DUI cases, entering a “not guilty” plea at arraignment gives your attorney time to review the evidence, discuss the case with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and prepare a defense.
The judge will also address bail or bond. If you were released before the hearing, the court may continue your release under the same conditions. If you are still in custody, your attorney can argue for release on personal recognizance or a reasonable bond. The judge may impose conditions such as an alcohol-safety interlock device or pretrial supervision. After the arraignment, your case will be set for a future court date—either a pretrial conference or a trial date.
At any point during this process, you have the right to be represented by counsel. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly appear at the Prince William County General District Court on behalf of clients facing DUI charges and can help you understand the procedures and the potential consequences of each decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is the first formal court hearing after a DUI arrest. During the arraignment, the judge informs you of the specific charges, advises you of your legal rights, and asks you to enter a plea. It is not a trial to determine guilt or innocence. The hearing also addresses whether you will be released or remain in custody pending trial and sets future court dates. In Prince William County, all misdemeanor DUI cases begin at the General District Court, and the arraignment typically occurs within a few days of the arrest if you are in custody.
When does an arraignment happen after a DUI arrest in Prince William County?
If you are held in custody, the arraignment usually takes place within a few days. If you were released on a summons or bond, the arraignment date is printed on the paperwork you received at the time of your release. Virginia law requires that an arrested person be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay. In Prince William County, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest so that they can review the charging documents and prepare for the hearing.
Do I need a lawyer at my DUI arraignment?
You have the right to an attorney, and having one present can be crucial. At the arraignment, the judge will ask for your plea, and if you plead not guilty, the court will set future hearing dates. An experienced attorney can advise you on which plea to enter, argue for favorable bail conditions, and begin building your defense immediately. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will ask whether you wish to have a public defender appointed, if you qualify.
Can I plead not guilty at my arraignment?
Yes, pleading not guilty at your arraignment is common and preserves your right to a trial. By pleading not guilty, you give your attorney an opportunity to review all the evidence, challenge the legality of the traffic stop or Breathalyzer results, and negotiate with the prosecutor. If you plead guilty at the arraignment, you give up many of these rights, and the judge may proceed directly to sentencing on the same day.
What happens if I plead guilty at arraignment?
A guilty plea at arraignment may result in immediate sentencing on a DUI charge. In Virginia, a first-offense DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a 12-month license suspension. If you plead guilty, the judge can impose sentence right away unless the court defers sentencing for a later date. Before pleading guilty, you should fully understand the mandatory minimum requirements, such as the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), and the long-term impact on your driving record and insurance.
Can I get bail at my DUI arraignment?
Yes, the judge will address bail or bond at the arraignment. If you have been in custody since your arrest, your attorney can argue for your release on a personal recognizance bond or on a secured bond. The court considers factors such as your ties to the community, prior criminal record, and the circumstances of the arrest. Even if you were released on a summons, the judge can modify or add conditions, such as an ignition interlock requirement or pretrial alcohol monitoring, depending on the case.
What court handles DUI arraignments in Prince William County?
DUI arraignments in Prince William County are held at the General District Court. The court is located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. This court has original jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses, including first-offense DUI. If your case is a felony DUI (such as a third offense or a DUI involving serious injury), the arraignment will take place in the Prince William County Circuit Court after the case is certified from the General District Court.
What are the possible penalties for a DUI in Virginia?
Virginia DUI penalties depend on the number of prior offenses and the specific circumstances. A first-offense DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, a 12-month license suspension, and mandatory completion of VASAP. A second offense within ten years carries a mandatory minimum 20-day jail sentence, and a third offense is a Class 6 felony. The court may also impose an ignition interlock requirement and a restricted license for certain periods. The actual penalty varies based on the facts of the case.
How can an attorney help at a DUI arraignment?
An attorney can protect your rights from the very start of the criminal process. At the arraignment, your lawyer can advise you on the trusted plea to enter, argue for favorable release conditions, and begin gathering information about the charges. They can also identify potential defenses early—such as an improper traffic stop or flawed breath-test procedures—and may start negotiating with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or alternative disposition. Having counsel at this stage ensures that you do not inadvertently waive important rights.
Should I say anything at my arraignment?
You should not discuss the facts of your case at the arraignment. The hearing is not the time to explain your side of the story or to argue your innocence. Anything you say can be used against you later. Your attorney will speak on your behalf regarding plea, bail, and procedural matters. If you do not have an attorney, you should inform the judge that you wish to have one appointed or retained before making any statements about the case.
What happens if I miss my DUI arraignment?
Missing an arraignment can result in a bench warrant for your arrest. The court may issue a capias for failure to appear, and you could face additional charges of failure to appear, a separate Class 1 misdemeanor. If you have a legitimate reason for not attending, such as a medical emergency, you should contact your attorney immediately so they can advise the court and request a new hearing date. It is critically important that you appear at every scheduled court date.
What should I bring to my arraignment?
Bring your copy of the summons or arrest paperwork and a valid form of identification. If you were released on a summons, the document will show your case number and the exact date and time of your hearing. Also bring any bail documents or receipts. If you have retained an attorney, they will have received a copy of the charging documents and can advise you on any additional items you may need, such as character letters or proof of employment for bail purposes.
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 law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly represent individuals charged with DUI in Prince William County General District Court. The firm’s attorneys bring a thorough understanding of Virginia DUI laws and the local court procedures. To schedule a consultation regarding a DUI arraignment or other criminal matter, call (888) 437-7747.
See also: Traffic Lawyer Fairfax County | Traffic Lawyer Stafford County | Traffic Lawyer Loudoun County
Outbound primary-source authority: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) · Prince William County General District Court
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Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 119 favorable outcomes in Prince William County traffic matters. Results may vary. Each case is unique.
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