What happens at a criminal arraignment in Roanoke County

At an arraignment in Roanoke County, you appear before a judge at the Roanoke County General District Court to be formally told the charges against you, advised of your rights, and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, the judge may set a trial date the same day. For a felony, the arraignment is often combined with a first appearance where bail is reviewed; the case will then proceed to a preliminary hearing in the General District Court before potentially moving to the Roanoke County Circuit Court. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side at the arraignment can make a significant difference in how your case begins. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals in Roanoke County courts and can be reached at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Criminal Defense Means in Roanoke County

The criminal process in Roanoke County follows the structure set by Virginia law. Misdemeanor cases—including most traffic offenses, simple assault, petit larceny, and disorderly conduct—are heard in the Roanoke County General District Court at 305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153. Felony charges, such as grand larceny, burglary, aggravated assault, and drug distribution, begin with an initial appearance and preliminary hearing in the General District Court. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Roanoke County Circuit Court for trial.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Roanoke County prosecutes all criminal cases. Because Virginia does not permit defendants to have a jury of their peers in the General District Court, any defendant who wants a jury trial must appeal a misdemeanor conviction or have his felony certified to Circuit Court, where a jury may be empaneled. Understanding the local court customs, the typical timelines, and the preferences of the judges who sit in the Twenty-third Judicial District can help you make informed decisions at every stage, including the arraignment.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Criminal Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team approach every Roanoke County case with a focus on early preparation. Even before the arraignment, they review the charging documents, assess whether the police had probable cause to arrest you, and identify any weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s evidence. At the arraignment, they ensure you understand the charges and the possible penalties, advise you on the appropriate plea, and argue for reasonable bail or release on personal recognizance where appropriate.

After the arraignment, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will obtain discovery, interview witnesses, and prepare motions that may lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges. In Roanoke County General District Court, many first-offender misdemeanor cases can be resolved through deferred disposition programs that, upon successful completion, result in the charge being dismissed. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, backed by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, to evaluating whether your case is a candidate for such alternatives. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel include attorneys with backgrounds in law enforcement and prosecution, which provides insight into how the other side builds its case.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I plead not guilty at my arraignment in Roanoke County?

If you plead not guilty at your arraignment, the court will set your case for a trial date. For a misdemeanor, the trial will typically be scheduled within a few weeks in the Roanoke County General District Court. For a felony, the case will be set for a preliminary hearing in the same court; if probable cause is found, the matter moves to the Roanoke County Circuit Court for a trial date. Your attorney can use the time between the arraignment and trial to file motions, negotiate with the prosecutor, and prepare your defense.

Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment in Roanoke County General District Court?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer at your arraignment, but having one can help you avoid missteps that could harm your case. The judge will ask you questions about your charges and your plea, and any statements you make can later be used against you. An experienced defense attorney can speak on your behalf, argue for a reduction in bail, and begin laying the foundation for your defense from the very first appearance. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your arraignment.

What is the difference between an arraignment and a preliminary hearing in Roanoke County?

An arraignment is the hearing where you are formally notified of the charges and enter a plea; a preliminary hearing is a later proceeding for felony cases where the judge decides whether there is enough evidence to send the case to Circuit Court. In Roanoke County, felony arraignments are often combined with an initial appearance and bail review. The preliminary hearing is a separate event held later in the General District Court, at which the Commonwealth’s Attorney must show probable cause.

Can I be released at my arraignment in Roanoke County?

Yes, the judge can release you on your personal recognizance or set a secured bond at the arraignment. For many first-offense misdemeanors, release without posting money is common. For more serious felony charges, the judge may set a cash bond or require a bail bondsman. Your attorney can present facts about your ties to the community, employment history, and lack of prior failures to appear that may persuade the judge to set a more lenient bond. To discuss your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What if I missed my arraignment in Roanoke County?

Missing your arraignment can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. The court may enter a capias, and you could be taken into custody if you are found. If you realize you missed your arraignment, contact a criminal attorney immediately to discuss the trusted way to address the situation. There may be options to recall the warrant or reschedule the hearing, but time is critical. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Will my arraignment be held in person or by video in Roanoke County?

Arraignments in Roanoke County are generally held in person at the General District Court, though the court may use video conferencing for some initial appearances involving defendants who are in custody. The judge, the prosecutor, your attorney, and any in-custody defendants may participate by closed-circuit video from the jail. Your attorney can advise you on what to expect and whether you should be physically present. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your arraignment.

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Outbound primary sources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) · Roanoke County General District Court · Virginia’s Judicial System

Last reviewed: June 2026

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