Q: I've been told I have to appear in court for an arraignment.  What should I expect at the arraignment?

A: Ther term arraignment is a general term which means different things in different states, and even means different things in different courts within a given state.  In Virginia, it is common to use the term "arraignment" to refer to the first appearance before the Court.  If you are held in jail after being arrested, the arraignment usually takes place the following morning, or the next day the court is open.  If you are released from custody (either after posting a bond or on your own recognizance) the arraignment is typically scheduled for a few days later. 

Substantively, the arraignment is a brief administrative hearing at which the Court will typically do the following: 

• inform you of the charge against you and make sure you understand it
• inform you of your right to be represented by an attorney
• inquire whether you plan to hire a lawyer, ask the court to appoint a lawyer or represent yourself
• inform you of your next court date

The knowledgeable, experienced and successful Virgnia Criminal Defense Lawyers of The Wilson Law Firm can discuss the Virginia arraignment process and other matters involving criminal defense with you in more detail. 

The Wilson Law Firm
DUI, Criminal & Traffic Defense ...When Results Matter

We have helped thousands of clients - and we can help you, too.

(703) 361-6100 / (540) 347-4944

Toll Free
(888) DUI-LWYR
(888) 384-5997

The lawyers of The Wilson Law Firm have traveled Virginia’s several interstates helping clients just like you - appearing in courts all across the Commonwealth of Virgnia - from Virginia Beach and Norfolk in the southeast, to Wise County in the southwest, all the way up I-81 to Frederick County / Winchester in the northwest, and all the way across Warren County, Fauquier County, Prince William County, and Fairfax County on the way to Arlington County and the City of Alexandria in the northeast. The Wilson Law Firm regularly serves Prince William County, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, the towns of Haymarket and Quantico, Fauquier County / Warrenton, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County / Fredericksburg, Loudoun County / Leesburg, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, Culpeper County, Warren County / Front Royal, Clark County / Berryville and Shenandoah County.