What happens at a DUI arraignment in Greene County

You were driving along Route 29 through Greene County when you saw the flashing lights in your rearview mirror. The officer asked for your license and registration, then requested field sobriety tests. Hours later you were charged with driving under the influence, issued a summons, and given a date to appear at the Greene County General District Court on Stanard Street. The first court date is your arraignment — the proceeding where the judge tells you what you are charged with and asks how you plead. It is not your trial, but it sets everything that follows. If you have an attorney, counsel can often appear on your behalf, speak with the Commonwealth’s Attorney about the case, and begin working toward the trusted … Resolution. If you are facing a DUI arraignment in Greene County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Your DUI arraignment at Greene County General District Court

When your case is called, the judge reads the charge — generally a violation of Virginia’s DUI statute — and asks whether you plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In nearly every DUI case your attorney will enter a plea of not guilty. That preserves your right to challenge the evidence, including the legality of the traffic stop, the handling of field sobriety exercises, and the reliability of any breath or blood test results. The judge will then set a trial date or, in some situations, schedule the case for further proceedings. The courtroom at 85 Stanard Street is presided over by a General District Court judge who handles traffic and criminal matters for Stanardsville, Ruckersville, and surrounding communities.

An arraignment is also the moment when bond conditions — or release on personal recognizance — are addressed. The court considers factors such as your ties to the community, prior record, and the circumstances of the arrest. Your lawyer can advocate for conditions that let you return home, continue working, and prepare your defense. Experienced defense counsel will also use this first appearance to begin discussing the case with the prosecutor, preserving any opportunity for a favorable resolution down the road.

Frequently asked questions about DUI arraignments in Greene County

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI arraignment in Greene County?

Yes, having an experienced attorney present at your arraignment in Greene County General District Court gives you an important advantage. Your lawyer can enter a not-guilty plea on your behalf, argue for reasonable bond terms, and immediately begin discussions with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. While you have the right to represent yourself, Virginia DUI charges carry consequences — including the possibility of jail time, fines, and a criminal record — that make professional guidance critical from the very first court date.

Will my driver’s license be suspended at the arraignment?

Not automatically; license suspension following a DUI arrest in Virginia is an administrative process that operates separately from the court appearance. If you refused a breath test or if your blood alcohol content was above the legal limit, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles may have already initiated a suspension. Your attorney can explain whether an appeal of the administrative suspension is available and how the criminal case affects your driving privileges going forward.

What plea should I enter at my arraignment?

In nearly every DUI case, you should plead not guilty at the arraignment so your attorney can review the evidence and explore all possible defenses. Pleading guilty at the outset closes the door to challenging the stop, the field sobriety tests, or the credibility of the officer’s observations. Even if you believe you made a mistake, a not-guilty plea preserves your options while your lawyer works toward a resolution that may include reduced charges or alternative sentencing.

Can my attorney appear for me at the arraignment so I do not have to go?

In many Greene County DUI cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf for the arraignment and enter a not-guilty plea, so you may not be required to attend. The court usually permits counsel to waive your personal appearance at this early stage if the charge is a misdemeanor first-offense DUI and there are no outstanding warrants or failure-to-appear issues. Your attorney can confirm the specific requirements for your case before the court date.

What should I bring to my DUI arraignment?

Bring a copy of your summons, any paperwork the officer gave you, a form of identification, and contact information for your attorney. Arrive early to find parking and the courtroom. Dress respectfully and be prepared to wait; the docket may be busy. If you have retained counsel, your attorney will tell you exactly what to bring and whether you need to speak during the proceeding.

Will the judge offer me a plea deal at the arraignment?

The judge does not negotiate plea agreements; that discussion happens between your attorney and the Commonwealth’s Attorney separately from the bench. At arraignment the court simply takes your plea and schedules further proceedings. Your lawyer can begin those conversations immediately, but any agreement is presented to the judge at a later hearing, not at the initial appearance.

What if I missed my arraignment date?

If you fail to appear for a scheduled arraignment in Greene County, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest and you could face an additional charge of failure to appear. Contact an attorney immediately if you missed your court date. In some situations counsel can move to recall the warrant and get the case back on track, but you should act promptly.

How long after arraignment will my trial be scheduled?

The trial date depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case, but the General District Court typically sets a hearing within a few weeks to a few months after arraignment. Your attorney will work with the court and the prosecutor to schedule a date that allows time for discovery, investigating the evidence, and preparing your defense.

Is a DUI in Virginia a criminal charge?

Yes, a first-offense DUI in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means it is a criminal offense — not a traffic infraction. A conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, jail time, fines, license suspension, and other consequences. That is one reason why experienced representation at every stage, starting with the arraignment, is so important.

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 in Virginia since 1997. He and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. Together they represent clients at the Greene County General District Court and across 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). When you reach our firm, you speak with professionals who understand how DUI cases are handled in Greene County from the very first court appearance. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Additional local resources:

Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses Generally (includes DUI) • Greene County General District Court

Greene County DUI defense
Reckless driving representation in Greene County
Greene County traffic ticket defense

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