What happens at a DUI arraignment in Lexington
You were driving home along I‑81 through Lexington when blue lights appeared in your rear‑view mirror. The officer asked questions, administered a field sobriety test, and a short time later you were arrested and charged with driving under the influence. After the booking process and release, you are now holding a summons that orders you to appear at the Lexington General District Court on a specific date and time. That first court appearance—the arraignment—can be confusing, and what you say or do there may affect the entire direction of your case. At the arraignment the judge will read the charge against you, ask whether you have a lawyer, and enter your plea. Having an experienced attorney at your side from the beginning helps ensure that your rights are protected and that you understand each step. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Regularly represents clients at the Lexington General District Court and can walk you through the process. To discuss your situation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What happens at a DUI arraignment in Lexington
An arraignment in the Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the formal start of your DUI case. The proceeding usually takes just a few minutes, but it is important to be prepared. The judge will first verify your identity and read the charge aloud—typically a violation of Va. Code § 18.2‑266, which makes it unlawful to drive while intoxicated. You will then be asked how you plead: guilty, not guilty, or, in some circumstances, no contest. If you do not yet have an attorney, the judge will ask whether you intend to hire one or whether you need the court to appoint counsel. The court also considers bail or the conditions of your release, although many people charged with a first‑offense DUI are released on a recognizance bond. Finally, the judge will set dates for future proceedings, including a trial date or a status hearing. Because DUI is a criminal offense in Virginia, what happens at arraignment can have lasting consequences, and having an attorney present helps avoid missteps.
How Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle DUI cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring a focused approach to each DUI case. Preparation for the arraignment begins before you enter the courtroom. The team reviews the charging documents, the arresting officer’s narrative, and any chemical test results to identify procedural or factual issues that may benefit your defense. At the arraignment itself, counsel can enter a plea on your behalf, address questions about release conditions, and begin discussions with the Commonwealth’s Attorney about whether the charge can be reduced or whether alternative dispositions are available. After the arraignment, the team investigates the traffic stop and the administration of field sobriety and breath tests. Bryan Block, Of Counsel, is a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience and firsthand knowledge of DUI investigation protocols—insight that can be used to challenge the evidence if procedures were not followed correctly. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the Commonwealth builds its case and can develop a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of your matter. Throughout the process, the firm keeps you informed of court dates, discovery updates, and your options so you can make decisions with a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities.
About Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a firm he started in 1997. As a former prosecutor, he is familiar with trial strategy from both sides of the courtroom and concentrates his practice on criminal defense, traffic matters, and family law. 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). He works alongside a team of Of Counsel attorneys who contribute deep, specialized experience to every case.
Bryan Block, Of Counsel, served for 15 years as a Virginia State Trooper and holds a J.D. From the University of Richmond School of Law. His law‑enforcement background provides valuable insight into the procedures and standards that officers must follow during a DUI investigation. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer at my DUI arraignment in Lexington?
You are not required to have a lawyer at the arraignment, but proceeding without one can be risky. The judge will ask how you plead, and entering a plea without understanding the full consequences can waive important rights. An experienced attorney can evaluate the charging documents, advise you on the trusted plea, and begin negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney even at this early stage. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What will happen if I plead not guilty at the arraignment?
If you plead not guilty, the court will set a trial date before a General District Court judge. Your case will be scheduled for a bench trial, where the Commonwealth must prove the DUI charge beyond a reasonable doubt. An attorney can use the time between the arraignment and trial to investigate the traffic stop, review breath‑test calibration records, and prepare defenses. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can the charge be reduced or dropped at the arraignment?
In Virginia, a DUI charge is not typically reduced or dropped at the arraignment itself, but early discussions with the prosecutor can lay the groundwork for a future resolution. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may consider amending the charge to a lesser offense such as reckless driving or even a traffic infraction if the evidence supports it. Having an attorney who is familiar with the Lexington General District Court and how the prosecutor evaluates cases can improve the chance of a favorable outcome. Results may vary.
What are the possible penalties for a DUI conviction in Virginia?
A first‑offense DUI in Virginia 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. The court may require participation in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) and the installation of an ignition interlock device. A conviction also carries six DMV demerit points and remains on your driving record for 11 years. Because the consequences can affect your employment, driving privileges, and personal life, it is important to build a strong defense early. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How should I prepare for my DUI arraignment in Lexington?
Before your arraignment, gather all documents related to your arrest, including the summons, the officer’s citation, and any bond paperwork. Dress in business‑casual attire and arrive at the courthouse at 2 South Main Street with enough time to go through security. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your attorney. If you have not yet retained counsel, consider speaking with an experienced DUI lawyer before the hearing. Our firm can advise you on what to expect and appear with you at the Lexington General District Court. Contact us at (888) 437-7747.
Related practice pages:
Fairfax County traffic lawyer |
Fairfax City traffic lawyer |
Falls Church traffic lawyer
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