What happens at a criminal arraignment in Loudoun County

An arraignment in Loudoun County is the first formal court hearing after an arrest, held at the Loudoun County General District Court (18 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176). At this hearing, the judge advises you of the charges against you and your rights, and you enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court also addresses bail and sets future hearing dates. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, the arraignment initiates the court process and creates deadlines that affect your defense. Because what happens at this hearing can shape the entire case, it is important to understand the procedure and to have an attorney present. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears regularly in Loudoun County courts and can assist at this stage. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: June 2026

What to Expect at a Loudoun County Arraignment

The arraignment is held before a judge in the Loudoun County General District Court for misdemeanor charges and for the preliminary stage of felony charges. When your case is called, the judge reads the charges aloud or confirms that you have received a copy of the warrant or indictment. The judge then advises you of your rights, including the right to be represented by an attorney and the right to a trial. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court may determine eligibility for court-appointed counsel.

You will be asked to enter a plea. Most defendants enter a plea of not guilty at the arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Guilty pleas are immediately processed, and sentencing may occur at the same hearing or at a later date. If you plead not guilty, the judge sets a trial date. For felony charges, the General District Court holds a preliminary hearing rather than a trial, and the case may later be transferred to the Loudoun County Circuit Court for trial. The arraignment also provides an opportunity for the attorney to address bail conditions and to request modifications if detention is an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Loudoun County, Virginia?

A Class 1 misdemeanor in Loudoun County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine. Common charges heard at the Loudoun County General District Court include assault and battery, petit larceny, and driving on a suspended license. The actual penalty depends on the facts of the case and the defendant’s prior record. Having an attorney present at the arraignment can help ensure that you understand the potential consequences before entering a plea. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved favorable outcomes in numerous Loudoun County criminal matters; 42 documented results include 35 dismissed or not guilty and 5 reduced or amended charges. Results may vary.

Can criminal charges be expunged in Loudoun County, Virginia?

Virginia law permits expungement of criminal charges that ended in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. To pursue expungement, a petition must be filed in the Loudoun County Circuit Court. Most convictions cannot be expunged, though certain first-offense marijuana possession cases may be eligible through a deferred disposition. The process involves gathering court records, filing a petition, and appearing before a judge. If you are concerned about the long-term impact of an arrest or charge, speaking with an attorney early—even at the arraignment stage—can help preserve your options. Our firm has obtained numerous dismissals in Loudoun County that later supported expungement petitions.

How does bail work in Loudoun County, Virginia?

After arrest, a magistrate sets bond based on factors such as the charge, risk of flight, and community ties. For many first-offense misdemeanors, the magistrate releases the defendant on personal recognizance without requiring payment. For felonies or cases where the magistrate determines a higher risk, a secured bond is set, and the defendant may need to pay a percentage to a bail bondsman. At the arraignment, the judge can review and modify the bond conditions. Our attorneys often present information at this stage to seek a lower bond or release on personal recognizance. If you have questions about bail, you can reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Loudoun County, Virginia?

Yes, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights from the very first court appearance. Criminal charges carry the possibility of jail time, fines, and a permanent record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. Even a misdemeanor at the Loudoun County General District Court has serious consequences. At the arraignment, your attorney can enter a plea on your behalf, argue for reduced bail, and begin gathering evidence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to criminal defense matters in Loudoun County. Results may vary.

What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Loudoun County?

The Loudoun County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while the Loudoun County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from the GDC. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, your case remains in the GDC unless you appeal a conviction. Felony charges start in the GDC for arraignment and a preliminary hearing; if the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Circuit Court for trial. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. The process can be confusing, and having an attorney who regularly appears in both courts is an advantage.

What should I say at the arraignment?

At the arraignment, you should say very little beyond formal responses and allow your attorney to speak on your behalf. Anything you say to the judge or in court can be used against you later. The judge will ask you to confirm your name and address and to enter a plea. If you do not have an attorney, you may ask the judge for time to hire one. Avoid discussing the facts of your case with anyone except your lawyer. If you are uncertain about the procedure, speak with a criminal defense attorney before the arraignment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can advise you before your court date and attend the hearing with you.

What happens if I plead not guilty?

If you plead not guilty at your arraignment, the court sets a trial date and your case proceeds to the next phase. For misdemeanors in the Loudoun County General District Court, the trial is usually scheduled a few weeks to a couple of months later. For felonies, the judge sets a preliminary hearing date. After a not-guilty plea, your attorney can begin investigating the case, filing motions, and negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Pleading not guilty at arraignment does not prevent a later change of plea if a negotiated resolution is reached.

Can a charge be dismissed at the arraignment?

Dismissal at the arraignment is rare but can occur if the prosecutor determines there is insufficient evidence or if a procedural defect is highlighted by your attorney. More commonly, dismissal comes later through pretrial motions or negotiations. Our firm has secured many dismissals in Loudoun County criminal matters, including nolle prosequi outcomes in cases involving traffic and other criminal charges. Even if dismissal is not immediate, the arraignment is a critical time to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and to start building a defense strategy.

How long does a criminal case take in Loudoun County?

The length of a criminal case depends on the charge, court schedule, and whether a plea agreement is reached. Misdemeanor cases in the General District Court typically move faster than felony cases in Circuit Court. Felonies involve a preliminary hearing, potential indictment, and trial preparation, which can extend the timeline. Your attorney can give you a better estimate after reviewing your case. The important point is to act quickly—an attorney can begin working on your case immediately, and early involvement often leads to more options for resolution.

What is the role of the Commonwealth’s Attorney at an arraignment?

The Commonwealth’s Attorney represents the state of Virginia and presents the charges at the arraignment. The prosecutor may also provide information about the evidence, make a recommendation regarding bail, and indicate whether a plea offer is available. While you should not speak directly to the prosecutor about your case without your attorney present, your lawyer can use the arraignment to obtain discovery and to discuss possible resolutions. The relationship between defense counsel and the prosecutor’s office is an important part of the process, and knowing how to communicate effectively can benefit your case.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases in Loudoun County courts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense matters across Virginia. Results may vary. The firm is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and our Ashburn location serves clients throughout Loudoun County. To discuss your arraignment or any criminal charge, call (888) 437-7747.

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