Q: Can a lawyer handle this for me in Virginia or will I actually be required to appear in court for the arraignment?

A: It depends.  Many Virginia courts do not require the accused to appear for the arraignment, as long as an attorney has been hired and the lawyer takes the necessary steps to excuse the accused from having to appear.  Some courts require the lawyer to actually appear in court on behalf of the client, while other courts simply require the lawyer to formally inform the court that they will be representing the accused.  In any event, as the accused the best course of action is to assume that you must appear in court for the arraignment unless you hire a lawyer and have been assured by the lawyer that your appearance is not necessary.