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Court Proceedings

Virginia Beach Attorney for Court Proceedings

Serving Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth & Norfolk

At JRLaw, PLC, Jerrell R. Johnson has over 15 years of experience helping clients through a variety of court proceedings, including bond hearings, appeals, and expungements. As a former police officer for over 15 years, our lawyer provides his unique, insider knowledge of the criminal justice system. He has the experience, the connections, and the resources to help you effectively resolve your case.

Schedule a FREE evaluation today.

Criminal Court Process in Virginia

The criminal defense court process in Virginia can be broken down into several key stages:

1. Arrest and Bail:

  • The process begins with an arrest by law enforcement.
  • You'll have a bail hearing before a magistrate to determine if you can be released before trial.
  • It's crucial to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

2. Arraignment:

  • This is your initial court appearance in General District Court.
  • The charges against you will be formally read, and you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
  • An attorney can advise you on the best course of action for your plea.

3. Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only):

  • If you're facing felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held to determine if there's probable cause to believe you committed the crime.
  • Only the prosecution presents evidence at this stage.
  • If probable cause is found, the case moves to the grand jury.

4. Grand Jury (Felonies Only):

  • A grand jury decides if there's enough evidence to indict you on formal charges.
  • The proceedings are secret, and you are not present.

5. Pre-Trial:

  • This stage involves discovery, where both sides exchange evidence and potentially negotiate a plea bargain.
  • Your attorney will work to gather evidence in your defense and build your case.

6. Trial:

  • If no plea bargain is reached, you go to trial in either General District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
  • A jury or judge will decide your guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented.

7. Sentencing:

  • If convicted, you'll face sentencing based on the severity of the crime and your criminal history.
  • Your attorney can argue for a lighter sentence.

8. Appeal:

  • You have the right to appeal a guilty verdict to a higher court.

Various Court Proceedings We Handle

We can assist with a variety of court proceedings, including:

  • Bond Motions: If your loved one is being detained by authorities, we can represent you through bond hearings and work towards getting your loved one released.
  • Appeals: An appeal can be sought if you believe that your conviction was the result of an error in sentencing or during a trial. We can help you file an effective appeal after reviewing your case.
  • Expungement: After you have successfully served your sentence, you may be able to have your charge cleared through expungement, which can allow you to pass certain security clearance and background checks.
  • Arraignments: During the arraignment, you will be read your rights and charges before a judge, then asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. We can advise you on what to plea and help you understand the consequences.
  • Preliminary Hearings: At the preliminary hearing before a judge, the prosecutor and defense both present arguments on whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a charge.
  • Trials: During a trial, Jerrell R. Johnson knows how to effectively present a case in front of a judge and jury, and fight for a not guilty verdict. He is a veteran of many trials and secured numerous courtroom victories.

Court proceedings can be complex, and many clients are often confused about what to do and how to approach the court system. Jerrell is very familiar with the criminal justice system as well as many court proceedings. He can personally guide you through the courts and work to ensure that you understand what is happening with your case at each step.

Learn Your Rights: (757) 447-0080

If you are facing any of the above issues, talk to our Virginia Beach criminal lawyer in Hampton Roads today to see how he can help you. We listen to your issue and work closely with you to find a solution that is in your best interests.

Call (757) 447-0080 to discuss your case.

We Care About Our Clients

Read What Past Clients Had to Say About Us
  • His representation kept an unfortunate incident from defining her future. He was able to put us at ease from the first contact, and he gave her the support she (and our family) needed to get through a very difficult time.
    - Client
  • Mr. Johnson really came through for me in a time of crisis!! Not only was he meticulous with the details of my case, he was quick to offer his full support in helping me to gather exactly what I needed to win my case.
    - Client
  • From first contact, he was attentive, communicative, and beyond fair with his fees. Being a former police officer in Virginia Beach made him aware, prior to court, of what needed to be done for our time in court. That prior experience was also completely
    - Misty
  • We needed a simple expungement for a non-prosecuted charge and Mr. Johnson did it quickly (as much as possible) and at a reasonable price.
    - William

    Proven Track Record

    Dedicated to Obtaining the Best Possible Outcome
    • Caroline County: Reckless Driving Speed 20mph over
    • Chesapeake Circuit Court: Domestic Assault & Failure To Appear
    • Chesapeake Juvenile: Detention Hearing (Bond Hearing)
    • Chesapeake Juvenile: Felony Robbery
    • Chesapeake: Evading Traffic Device