What happens at a criminal arraignment in Bedford County

Your phone rings at 2 a.m. And you hear that a family member has been arrested. Or maybe it was you, pulled over for a traffic stop that escalated. Now you’re holding a document that says you must appear at the Bedford County General District Court for an arraignment. The language is unfamiliar — “arraignment,” “bond,” “appointment of counsel.” You need to know what happens next. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we guide individuals through the Bedford County court system. We can explain what to expect at each stage, from the first appearance to the resolution of your case. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Strategy Options After an Arrest

After an arrest, you face decisions that will shape the rest of your case. You can represent yourself, but an experienced attorney can identify defenses, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and protect your rights from the beginning. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team know the Bedford County courts and the prosecutors who appear there. We can explore whether first‑offender programs or deferred dispositions may be available under Virginia law. For example, Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 allows a judge to defer proceedings and place a qualified defendant on probation; successful completion results in dismissal of the charge. Early action matters because the arraignment is your first opportunity to assert your position.

What To Expect at Your Arraignment in Bedford County

The arraignment is a short, formal hearing where the court informs you of the charges against you and your rights. In Bedford County, most misdemeanor arraignments take place at the General District Court, 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523. If you are in custody, the hearing usually occurs within a day or two of the arrest; if you are released on a summons, the date is printed on your paperwork.

When your case is called, the judge or magistrate will read the charge — for example, assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2‑57, petit larceny under § 18.2‑96, or driving under the influence. You will be asked how you plead. If you plead not guilty, the court will set a trial date. If you need time to hire counsel, you may request a continuance. The court will also address bond — whether you will be released pending trial and under what conditions. Personal recognizance (a written promise to appear) is common for first‑offense misdemeanors, while a secured bond is typical for felony charges. You have the right to apply for court‑appointed counsel if you cannot afford an attorney; eligibility is based on income.

Penalty Overview for Bedford County Charges

The consequences of a conviction depend on the classification of the offense. A Class 1 misdemeanor — the most serious misdemeanor, which includes many assault and theft offenses — can result in up to 12 months in jail and a fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries a maximum of six months and a fine. Felony classifications carry much heavier exposure. A Class 5 felony, such as certain drug possession charges, is punishable by one to ten years in prison; a Class 6 felony, by one to five years. At a felony arraignment in General District Court, the judge typically sets a date for a preliminary hearing. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Bedford County Circuit Court for trial. Because Virginia does not allow judges to participate in plea negotiations, any agreement must be reached with the Commonwealth’s Attorney outside the courtroom.

Attorney Credentials

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced in Virginia since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to criminal defense matters. Results may vary. The firm has documented 4 case results in Bedford County, including dismissals and other favorable outcomes. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper, whose law enforcement background provides insight into police procedures and can help identify weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case. For a full statutory breakdown of Virginia criminal law, see our comprehensive analysis on srislawyer.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during an arraignment in Bedford County?

At an arraignment in Bedford County, the court formally reads the charges, asks you to enter a plea, and addresses bond and the appointment of counsel. If you plead not guilty, a trial date is set. For felony charges, the General District Court sets a preliminary hearing date. The entire proceeding typically lasts only a few minutes, but decisions made at this stage — especially regarding bond and legal representation — can affect the rest of your case.

How does bail work in Bedford County?

After an arrest, a magistrate sets a bond amount; for many first‑offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is granted, meaning no money is required. For more serious charges, the magistrate may set a secured bond, and you may need to work with a bail bondsman, who typically charges a non‑refundable fee. If you disagree with the bond, your attorney can ask the General District Court judge to review it at the arraignment.

Can charges be dismissed at the arraignment in Bedford County?

It is uncommon for charges to be dismissed at the arraignment; dismissals usually occur later, through negotiation or after a successful pretrial motion. However, if the Commonwealth’s Attorney decides not to proceed or if the charging document has a legal defect, the case could be nolle prossed or dismissed. An attorney can evaluate whether the charge is properly written and advise you on the likelihood of an early resolution.

Do I need a lawyer for an arraignment in Bedford County?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer at the arraignment, but having counsel present protects your rights from the earliest stage. An attorney can argue for a lower bond, request a continuance to prepare, and begin discussing the case with the prosecutor. If you waive counsel at arraignment and later change your mind, you may still hire an attorney later, but early representation often yields better outcomes.

What is the difference between General District Court and Circuit Court in Bedford County?

The Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while the Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals from the General District Court. In the General District Court, there is no jury; if convicted, you have an automatic right to appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial. Felony cases start in General District Court for the preliminary hearing and, if certified, are transferred to Circuit Court for a jury trial or bench trial.

What should I bring to my arraignment in Bedford County?

Bring your summons or release paperwork, a photo ID, and any documents related to your arrest. If you have already hired an attorney, inform the court. Dress professionally and arrive early. The courthouse at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523 operates during regular business hours. In‑person support from family members is allowed, but they will usually wait outside the courtroom until your case is called.

Can I get a court‑appointed attorney in Bedford County?

Yes, if you cannot afford an attorney, you may apply for court‑appointed counsel at the arraignment. The judge will ask about your income, assets, and expenses. If you qualify, an attorney will be appointed — often the public defender or a private attorney who accepts court assignments. Court‑appointed counsel cost a small fee, and the attorney works on your behalf just as retained counsel would.

What if I miss my arraignment date in Bedford County?

Missing your arraignment can result in a capias warrant for your arrest and additional charges. If you realize you will miss the date, contact your attorney immediately, who may be able to file a motion to continue the hearing. If a warrant has already been issued, you should arrange to turn yourself in with counsel present to minimize the risk of extended jail time.

What happens after arraignment if I plead not guilty?

After a not‑guilty plea in Bedford County General District Court, the court sets a trial date, typically four to eight weeks later. For felony cases, the court schedules a preliminary hearing within a few months. Between arraignment and trial, your attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with the prosecutor. Many cases are resolved before trial through charge amendments or a plea agreement.

How long does a criminal case take in Bedford County?

The timeline for a criminal case in Bedford County varies depending on the charge, court schedule, and complexity. A misdemeanor trial may be resolved in a few months, while a felony case can take six months to a year or more. Your attorney can give you a more specific estimate based on the court’s current docket and the nature of your case.

Schedule a Consultation

To discuss your situation with an experienced attorney, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. We offer consultations by appointment and represent clients throughout Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, and the surrounding communities. Our Shenandoah location is at 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664.

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