What happens at a DUI arraignment in Alexandria
If you are facing a DUI charge in Alexandria, Virginia, the arraignment is your first appearance before a judge. It sets the course for your entire case. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our attorneys know how arraignments work in Alexandria General District Court and can help you prepare for this critical hearing. Request a consultation at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
At Alexandria General District Court
DUI arraignments in Alexandria take place at the Alexandria General District Court, located at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320. The court handles all traffic and misdemeanor DUI cases in the city. This is a trial court of limited jurisdiction — for DUI offenses, it has authority to accept pleas and impose sentences up to 12 months in jail and a fine. The court sits in the Eighteenth Judicial District of Virginia. Arraignment procedures here follow the Virginia Supreme Court’s Rules of Criminal Procedure. When you appear, the judge will confirm your identity, advise you of the charge, explain your right to an attorney, and ask how you plead. Because a DUI is a criminal offense in Virginia, this is a formal criminal proceeding, not an administrative hearing.
Alexandria General District Court does not permit plea bargaining at the judge level, but the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend a DUI charge before trial if the facts warrant. In our practice, early preparation and negotiation with the prosecutor can sometimes lead to a reduction of a DUI to a lesser offense. Completion of a Virginia-certified driver improvement clinic before the court date is often viewed favorably, and alcohol-related referrals to VASAP are common.
The Arraignment Process
At the arraignment, the clerk calls your case. The judge reads the DUI charge under Virginia Code § 18.2-266 and confirms that you understand it. You will be asked to enter a plea — typically not guilty if you intend to contest the charge. The judge may also address bail or bond conditions, especially if you were released on a summons rather than taken into custody. Your driving privilege may be discussed; under Virginia law, an arrest for DUI triggers an administrative license suspension, and the arraignment is often the first opportunity to address any immediate driving restrictions.
The judge will then set a trial date. The time between arraignment and trial depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter. If you have an attorney, counsel will likely handle the scheduling conference with the court and the prosecutor. If you do not have counsel, the judge will ask whether you intend to hire one or whether you need court-appointed counsel. After the arraignment, the court issues an order memorializing the plea, bond conditions, and the next hearing date.
What the Judge Expects
Judges in Alexandria expect defendants to appear on time and appropriately dressed. While DUI arraignments are brief, the court expects that you have read the summons and understand the charge. If you are represented by counsel, the judge will look to your attorney to handle procedural matters. If you appear without a lawyer, the judge will explain your rights carefully and may continue the case to allow you to obtain representation. The court does not accept guilty pleas at the arraignment without first ensuring that the defendant understands the consequences, including the potential for jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
Because a DUI conviction can carry mandatory minimum penalties — including mandatory jail for elevated blood alcohol concentration levels or repeat offenses — the judge will make sure you are aware of the seriousness of the charge. The court expects that any discussions about plea agreements occur between the defense attorney and the prosecutor outside of the courtroom, not in front of the judge. The arraignment is not the place to argue the facts of the case; that happens at trial.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Can Help
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has handled DUI and traffic cases in Alexandria since 1997. He and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to every matter. Results may vary. Their familiarity with Alexandria General District Court procedures, the local Commonwealth’s Attorney’s approach to DUI cases, and Virginia’s criminal traffic laws allows them to prepare for arraignment strategically. They work to protect your license, minimize disruption to your life, and seek the most favorable outcome possible under the law.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results since 1997, with many favorable outcomes. Results may vary. To discuss your DUI arraignment, reach our Arlington location at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DUI arraignment?
An arraignment is the first court hearing after a DUI arrest. The judge informs you of the charges, advises you of your right to an attorney, and asks you to enter a plea. It is a formal criminal proceeding, not just an administrative step.
What happens at a DUI arraignment in Alexandria?
At Alexandria General District Court, the judge reads the DUI charge, confirms you understand it, and takes your plea. Bail or release conditions may be set, and a future trial date is scheduled. The court will also address any administrative license suspension related to the arrest.
Should I hire a lawyer before my arraignment?
Yes. Having counsel at the arraignment can help you understand the charges, avoid procedural missteps, and begin negotiating with the prosecutor early. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear at arraignments in Alexandria and can advise you on the trusted course of action for your situation.
What happens if I plead not guilty at an arraignment?
If you plead not guilty, the judge will set a trial date. Your attorney will then have the opportunity to review the evidence, file motions, and discuss possible plea resolutions with the Commonwealth’s Attorney before trial.
Does the judge set bail at a DUI arraignment in Alexandria?
If you were released on a summons, bail may not be an issue. If you were held in custody, the judge may set bail or release conditions at the arraignment. Factors include your ties to the community, criminal history, and the circumstances of the arrest.
What court handles DUI arraignments in Alexandria?
DUI cases in Alexandria are heard at the Alexandria General District Court, 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320. This court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor DUI charges and conducts the initial appearance for felony DUI cases before they are transferred to Circuit Court.
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Virginia Code § 18.2-266 — DUI ·
Alexandria General District Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Reach our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209. Phones answered during business hours at (888) 437-7747.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.