What happens at a DUI arraignment in New Kent County

You were driving along I‑64 through New Kent County when an officer signaled you to pull over. Moments later, you were charged with driving under the influence. Now you have a court date at the New Kent County General District Court, and the first hearing on your paperwork says “arraignment.” This initial appearance can feel overwhelming, but it follows a predictable pattern. The arraignment is the proceeding where the court formally advises you of the DUI charge and you enter a plea. It is not the trial; no witnesses testify, and no evidence is presented. However, what happens at that hearing sets the direction of your case. An experienced DUI attorney can stand beside you, ensure your rights are protected, and begin building the defense strategy that will carry through later court dates. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have guided clients through arraignments in New Kent County and understand how the local court handles first‑appearance DUI matters. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What actually happens at the DUI arraignment in New Kent County

The arraignment is a short hearing, usually only a few minutes. When you arrive at 12001 Courthouse Circle, you check in with the clerk and wait for your case to be called. The judge will read the charge—typically a violation of Virginia Code § 18.2‑266—and ask whether you understand it. You will be asked if you have an attorney. If you do not have one and cannot afford private counsel, the court may appoint the public defender after reviewing your financial situation. The judge will then ask how you plead. Most people charged with a DUI enter a plea of not guilty at the arraignment; this preserves all defense options. A guilty plea at this stage is final and waives trial rights, so it is rarely advisable without first speaking with a lawyer who has reviewed the evidence. The court will then set a trial date in the General District Court, typically several weeks out, and address any bond or release conditions. If you already posted bond after arrest, the judge may clarify the terms. The entire proceeding is procedural, but an attorney can use the moment to request discovery, note objections, and start shaping the defense. Having a lawyer present also signals to the prosecutor that the case will be contested, which can influence how the case is handled later.

A DUI conviction in Virginia carries serious consequences. A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a 12‑month license suspension (Va. Code § 18.2‑270). The arraignment itself does not result in a conviction, but it is the gateway to the proceedings that could. An attorney who knows the New Kent County docket and the local Commonwealth’s Attorney’s practices can help you evaluate the options before the next court date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an arraignment in a DUI case?

An arraignment is the first court hearing where you are formally told the DUI charge and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere. It is a procedural step, not a trial. The judge ensures you understand the charge and your right to counsel. In Virginia, the arraignment typically occurs at the General District Court that has jurisdiction over the arrest location. After you plead, the court schedules a trial date and addresses any bond conditions. Because this hearing sets the trajectory of your case, having an attorney present can make a meaningful difference in how the plea is recorded and what happens next.

Do I need a lawyer at my DUI arraignment in New Kent County?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but appearing without one can put you at a disadvantage. The judge will ask if you have counsel; if you do not, the court may proceed to arraign you without legal advice. A lawyer can enter the appropriate plea, request discovery, and note any procedural defects early. At the New Kent County General District Court, an experienced defense attorney familiar with local procedures can also discuss the case with the prosecutor before the hearing begins. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your arraignment.

What should I bring to my DUI arraignment in New Kent County?

Bring your summons or citation, a government‑issued photo ID, and any bond paperwork you received after arrest. The documents will help you check in with the clerk. You may also want to bring a notepad to write down your next court date and any instructions from the judge. Dress conservatively—business casual is appropriate—and arrive early to find parking and locate the correct courtroom. If you have hired an attorney, they will typically handle the paperwork and advise you on what to bring.

Can I get my DUI charge reduced at the arraignment?

A plea agreement to reduce the charge rarely happens at the arraignment itself. The arraignment is primarily for entering a plea and setting dates. Reductions or amendments to the charge, such as from DUI to reckless driving, usually occur at a later pretrial conference or on the trial date after the Commonwealth’s Attorney has reviewed the evidence. However, your attorney can open discussions with the prosecutor immediately and lay the groundwork for a future resolution. Guiding clients toward favorable outcomes when the facts allow is a central part of our approach at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

What happens if I miss my DUI arraignment in New Kent County?

If you do not appear, the judge will likely issue a capias—a bench warrant for your arrest. Your bond may be revoked, and you could be taken into custody. Missed court dates also create negative impressions that can affect plea negotiations. If you have a legitimate emergency, contact your attorney immediately. An experienced lawyer can often contact the court and explain the situation to minimize the consequences. To avoid this scenario entirely, schedule a consultation with our team before your court date by calling (888) 437‑7747.

How should I dress for DUI court in New Kent County?

Wear clean, modest, business‑casual attire—slacks or khakis with a collared shirt are appropriate; avoid shorts, hats, and clothing with slogans. In rural counties like New Kent, a neat appearance signals respect for the court. The judge and prosecutor will notice your demeanor. Dressing properly does not affect the legal merits, but it helps create a favorable impression that can influence the tone of the proceeding.

Can I plead not guilty at the arraignment?

Yes, you are entitled to plead not guilty, and it is the most common plea at arraignment because it preserves your right to trial and all defenses. A not‑guilty plea tells the court that you want the Commonwealth to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. After entering the plea, the judge will set a trial date. Your attorney can then begin investigating the stop, testing the breath or blood evidence, and identifying legal issues that could lead to a dismissal or reduction later.

Will I go to jail after the DUI arraignment?

In most first‑offense DUI cases where the defendant has already posted bond, the judge will not order jail time at the arraignment itself. The court will generally continue the bond and set a trial date. Jail becomes a possibility only after a conviction at trial, or if there are aggravating circumstances such as an extremely high BAC or an accident with injuries. The administrative license suspension from the DMV takes effect seven days after arrest, not at the arraignment. Your attorney can explain how this suspension interacts with the criminal case.

What is the difference between DUI and reckless driving in Virginia?

A DUI (Va. Code § 18.2‑266) is a drunk‑driving charge; reckless driving (Va. Code § 46.2‑852) is a separate offense that can sometimes be charged alongside or in place of a DUI. Reckless driving is also a Class 1 misdemeanor, but it does not carry an automatic license suspension and is less stigmatizing in some contexts. In certain cases where the DUI evidence is weak, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may offer to amend the charge to reckless driving as part of a plea agreement. Our firm’s experience with both charges allows us to evaluate whether such an outcome is realistic in your situation.

How can an attorney help at the arraignment?

An attorney protects your rights from the first moment—ensuring the plea is proper, noting procedural errors, requesting discovery, and beginning the defense investigation immediately. At the New Kent County General District Court, an attorney familiar with the local docket can speak with the prosecutor before the hearing, potentially influencing how the case is initially handled. The arraignment is often the first chance to set a tone of thorough defense, which can affect everything that follows. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Where is the New Kent County General District Court?

The court is located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, Virginia 23124. It is situated between Richmond and Williamsburg, just off I‑64. The courthouse handles all traffic and criminal misdemeanors in New Kent County, including DUI cases. Parking is free, and the clerk’s office can assist with scheduling questions, although legal advice can only come from your attorney. Our Richmond location serves clients in New Kent County and can provide directions.

How do I request a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?

Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation about your DUI arraignment in New Kent County. Our team will discuss the details of your case, explain the process, and advise on the trusted next steps. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience appearing in Virginia courts and understand the local procedures at the New Kent County General District Court. Contact us before your court date so we can begin preparing your defense.

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 established the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice 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). Alongside his Of Counsel team, who bring experience in criminal defense and traffic matters, the firm has documented case results across multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. For guidance on your DUI arraignment, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.