What happens at a DUI arraignment in Manassas
When you are charged with driving under the influence in Manassas, the first court appearance is the arraignment, which occurs at the Manassas General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. At the arraignment, a judge formally advises you of the DUI charge, you enter a plea, and the conditions of your release are set. DUI is a criminal offense in Virginia, not just a traffic ticket, so the arraignment is a serious proceeding. It is in your interest to have an experienced attorney present to protect your rights from the very beginning of the case. To request a consultation about your DUI arraignment, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
The Arraignment Process in Manassas General District Court
The Manassas General District Court, the court of jurisdiction for misdemeanor DUI cases in the City of Manassas, conducts arraignments on the date listed on your summons or bond paperwork. You will appear before a judge who will read the charge aloud or ask if you understand the accusation. The charge will reference Virginia Code § 18.2-266, the statute that prohibits driving while intoxicated. The penalties for a first-offense DUI, governed by Va. Code § 18.2-270, include up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a 12-month license suspension upon conviction. Because a DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor with potential jail time, the arraignment is not a simple formality; it is the official start of the criminal case against you.
You will then be asked how you plead: guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). If you plead guilty or no contest, the court may proceed immediately to sentencing, which can include jail, fines, license suspension, and an order to attend the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP). If you plead not guilty, the judge will set a trial date and, if necessary, determine or review bail. Bond conditions—such as abstaining from alcohol or pretrial supervision—may also be imposed. An attorney can explain the implications of each plea, negotiate with the prosecutor, and, when appropriate, seek a continuance to gather evidence or explore a reduction of the charge.
Because the Manassas General District Court handles a high volume of traffic and criminal cases, the arraignment docket may move quickly. Being prepared with counsel can help you respond correctly and avoid unintended consequences. After the arraignment, your case will proceed through pretrial motions, possible negotiations, and ultimately a trial if no resolution is reached. Every step carries potential collateral consequences, including driver’s license points and a permanent criminal record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear regularly in this court and are familiar with the practices of the Manassas Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office and the expectations of the bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend the arraignment if I hire a lawyer?
In most DUI cases, you must appear in person at the arraignment because the charge is a criminal offense, not a simple traffic infraction. The court typically requires the defendant’s presence to enter a plea and to address bail. While an attorney cannot appear for you at the arraignment itself in a criminal case, having counsel with you ensures your rights are protected, your plea is entered appropriately, and any issues concerning your release are argued effectively. Missing the arraignment can result in a bench warrant for your arrest.
What if I plead not guilty at the arraignment?
If you plead not guilty, the judge will set a trial date and may impose or continue the conditions of your bond. The case will then proceed to trial, where the Commonwealth must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. During the period between the arraignment and trial, your attorney can investigate the stop, challenge the field sobriety tests, review the breath-test calibration records, and negotiate with the prosecutor. Many DUI cases are resolved by plea agreement or reduced charges before trial.
Can I change my plea later if I plead not guilty at the arraignment?
Yes, under Virginia law, you may change your plea from not guilty to guilty or no contest at any time before sentencing, with the court’s permission. This often occurs when a negotiated plea agreement with the prosecutor is reached after the arraignment, sometimes on the day of trial. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate whether a later change of plea is in your best interest after all the evidence has been reviewed and any potential defenses are fully explored.
What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI in Virginia?
Virginia uses the terms DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) interchangeably; both refer to the same criminal offense under Va. Code § 18.2-266. The statute prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a degree that impairs the ability to drive safely. The penalties are the same regardless of which term is used, and the charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, with enhanced consequences for a second or third conviction within ten years.
How can a lawyer help at the arraignment stage?
An attorney can explain each plea option, request a bond reduction, argue for pretrial release without restrictive conditions, and begin building your defense immediately. At the arraignment itself, your lawyer can make the court aware of your ties to the community, your employment, and any factors that support a low bond or release on personal recognizance. After the arraignment, the attorney will file motions, subpoena evidence, and communicate with the prosecutor. Early legal involvement often leads to a more favorable outcome. To discuss your Manassas DUI case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens if I miss my arraignment?
If you fail to appear for your arraignment, the judge will almost certainly issue a capias warrant for your arrest. A capias warrant authorizes law enforcement to take you into custody and bring you before the court. Once arrested, you may be held without bond until a new court date is set. Failing to appear also creates an additional criminal charge (failure to appear, a Class 1 misdemeanor) and can severely damage your credibility in the eyes of the judge and prosecutor. It is critical to appear on the date listed on your summons, or to have your attorney arrange a continuance before the court date.
Will the arraignment take a long time?
The arraignment itself is usually brief—often only a few minutes per case—but you may wait several hours for your name to be called on the docket. The Manassas General District Court typically has a busy calendar, so plan to arrive early and expect to spend a morning or afternoon at the courthouse. Your attorney can advise you on what time to arrive and what to expect from the judge’s calendar.
Can the judge dismiss the DUI charge at the arraignment?
Absent extraordinary circumstances, a DUI charge will not be dismissed at the arraignment. The arraignment is solely for advising you of the charge, taking your plea, and addressing bail. The prosecutor is not required to present all evidence at this stage, and the judge has not yet heard any motion to suppress or substantive defense. Dismissals typically occur later in the process, after a successful motion or at trial if the Commonwealth cannot meet its burden of proof.
Do I need a Manassas DUI attorney specifically, or can any Virginia lawyer help?
While any attorney licensed in Virginia can represent you, a lawyer familiar with the Manassas General District Court and the local prosecutors is well positioned to handle your case. The court has its own scheduling practices and unwritten expectations about plea negotiations and sentencing arguments. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent clients in Manassas DUI cases and understand how the local court operates. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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 and is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work. He leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who concentrate their practice on criminal defense and traffic matters, including DUI defense across Virginia. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in the Manassas General District Court and other Northern Virginia courts, working toward favorable outcomes for clients facing DUI and related charges. To discuss your case and how the firm can assist, please call (888) 437-7747.
Learn more about related legal services:
Fairfax County traffic defense |
Prince William County traffic defense |
Manassas Park traffic defense
Official Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code § 18.2-266 —
Virginia Code § 18.2-270 —
Manassas General District Court
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