What happens at a DUI arraignment in Virginia Beach
When you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia Beach, the first court date you will face is an arraignment. At the Virginia Beach General District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, the arraignment is a short hearing where the judge reads the charge against you, advises you of your rights, and asks how you plead. You will also address bail conditions and whether you have counsel. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on DUI and traffic defense, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can appear at your Virginia Beach arraignment to protect your interests. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have achieved favorable outcomes for clients facing DUI charges in Virginia Beach. Results may vary. To schedule a consultation about your DUI case, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What a DUI Arraignment Entails in Virginia Beach
An arraignment for a DUI charge in Virginia Beach is conducted at the Virginia Beach General District Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. This court handles all misdemeanor DUI cases, including first-offense and second-offense DUI charges. The proceeding is typically brief—often lasting only a few minutes—but it sets the course for the entire case.
At the arraignment, the judge will inform you of the specific charge under Va. Code § 18.2-266 (driving under the influence). You will be asked to enter a plea: not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). In many Virginia Beach DUI cases, the defendant enters a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve rights and allow time for the attorney to review the evidence and discuss the matter with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The judge will also address bail or release conditions. If you already have an attorney, counsel can appear with you to argue for a reasonable bond and to begin building your defense from the earliest stage.
If you do not have an attorney when you appear, the court will likely give you a continuance to hire counsel. Virginia Beach General District Court judges routinely grant a short continuance for a first-time defendant to consult with a lawyer. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can appear at your arraignment and handle the plea, address any bond issues, and request a trial date that fits your schedule.
Penalties for a Virginia Beach DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The penalties under Va. Code § 18.2-270 can include jail time of up to 12 months, a fine of between $250 and $2,500, and a driver’s license suspension of 12 months for a first offense. A second offense within 10 years carries mandatory minimum jail time and a three-year license revocation. In addition, a conviction results in six demerit points on your Virginia driving record and can significantly increase your auto insurance premiums.
Beyond the immediate court penalties, a DUI conviction has lasting consequences. A criminal record can affect your employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. Because Virginia Beach courts handle a high volume of DUI cases, having an attorney who understands the local court’s procedures and the tendencies of the Commonwealth’s Attorney can be critical in working toward a reduced charge or a dismissal. Results may vary.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle DUI Cases in Virginia Beach
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear regularly in the Virginia Beach General District Court. They know the procedures, the prosecutors, and the standards of proof required for a DUI conviction. From the arraignment onward, they focus on identifying weaknesses in the case—such as whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly, and whether the breath or blood test results are reliable.
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor himself, understands how the Commonwealth builds a DUI case. His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with substantial trial experience in Virginia traffic matters. Together they work to negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney when appropriate, seeking to have a DUI charge reduced to reckless driving or another lesser offense. If a trial is necessary, they are prepared to challenge the evidence and present a thorough defense on your behalf. They serve clients throughout the Virginia Beach area from our Richmond location, and they can be reached 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 been practicing law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and 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 background informs the firm’s approach to every DUI case.
Mr. Sris works alongside an experienced Of Counsel team. Together they bring extensive combined legal experience to DUI defense in Virginia Beach. The firm has been serving clients in Virginia for over two decades, and its attorneys are familiar with the local courts, the tendencies of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, and the strategies that can be effective in DUI cases. They represent clients in matters ranging from first-offense DUI to felony DUI charges, and they are available to discuss your case. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plea should I enter at my DUI arraignment in Virginia Beach?
In almost all Virginia Beach DUI arraignments, your attorney will advise you to enter a not guilty plea. A not guilty plea preserves your right to a trial and gives your lawyer time to examine the evidence, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and explore possible diversion or reduction options. Pleading guilty at arraignment immediately results in a conviction and sentencing, often without the benefit of a full review of the case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can appear with you and handle the plea.
Can my DUI charge be reduced at the arraignment in Virginia Beach?
Typically, a DUI charge is not reduced at the arraignment itself, but the groundwork for a reduction can begin at that hearing. The arraignment is a procedural step; substantive negotiations occur afterward. Your attorney can use the arraignment to enter a not guilty plea and request a later trial date, giving time to review the police report, breath-test records, and any video evidence. If the evidence is weak, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may later agree to amend the charge to reckless driving or another lesser offense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience in securing charge amendments in Virginia Beach traffic cases.
Do I need a lawyer for my Virginia Beach DUI arraignment?
You are not required to have an attorney present at your arraignment, but having one can significantly affect the outcome. Without counsel, you may feel pressured to plead guilty or may not understand the full consequences of your plea. An attorney can argue for lower bail, ensure your rights are protected, and begin building a defense immediately. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can appear at your Virginia Beach arraignment and guide you through the process. Call (888) 437-7747 to speak with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel.
What happens if I miss my DUI arraignment in Virginia Beach?
If you fail to appear for your scheduled DUI arraignment at the Virginia Beach General District Court, the judge will typically issue a capias—a bench warrant—for your arrest. This can result in additional criminal charges and will complicate your DUI case. It is critical to appear on your court date or have your attorney appear on your behalf. If you have missed a court date, contact an attorney immediately to address the warrant and minimize the damage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can assist you in resolving a missed court appearance.
How can I prepare for my DUI arraignment at Virginia Beach General District Court?
The most important step you can take before your arraignment is to consult with an experienced DUI attorney. You should also gather all documents related to your case, including the summons, any paperwork from the police, and your driver’s license. Dress appropriately for court and arrive early. If you hire Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we can advise you on what to expect and what to bring. At the arraignment, we will handle the plea, address any bond issues, and set a trial date. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
For assistance with DUI charges in other Virginia localities, see our pages on traffic defense in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Prince William County, and Manassas.
For additional reference, consult the Virginia DUI statutes (Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia) and the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
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