
What happens at a criminal arraignment in Prince William County
What happens at a criminal arraignment in Prince William County A criminal arraignment is the first formal court appearance after an arrest in Prince William County. At this hearing, the judge reads the charges filed against you, advises you of your rights—including the right to counsel and the right to remain silent—and asks you to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The arraignment also sets the stage for bail conditions, future hearing dates, and the overall direction of your case. In Prince William County, the court where you appear depends on the severity of the charge:




