Felonies are a totally different ball game because felonies are not adjudicated in general district court, but they may originate there. Felony cases often originate in general district court by a warrant of arrest and then a preliminary hearing is heard. At that level, that person can’t be found guilty of a felony and they couldn’t even plead guilty if they wanted to. The court adjudicates whether or not there is sufficient evidence to certify the case to circuit court and then the case goes to circuit court for further action. Then the circuit court is responsible for adjudicating that felony either by having a bench trial, having a jury trial, making a plea, making a finding, or potentially having the case dismissed. Circuit court is the only court that can do felony sentencing.
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Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
