Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fredericksburg
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are divided into four classes, with Class 1 being most serious. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). The Fredericksburg Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases in the city.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fredericksburg General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statutes
- Fredericksburg General District Court website — court information and procedures
Fredericksburg Court Process
Fredericksburg General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fredericksburg Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals.
- Arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the Fredericksburg magistrate’s office.
- Arraignment: Appear at Fredericksburg GDC (701 Princess Anne St) to enter your plea.
- Discovery and motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions.
- Trial or plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; felony preliminary hearings determine if case goes to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals go to Fredericksburg Circuit Court.
Fredericksburg Criminal Penalties
In Fredericksburg, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and felonies 1-10 years or more.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment issues |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and evidence.
Experience in Fredericksburg Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Fredericksburg Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fredericksburg, with an 83% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Fredericksburg General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fredericksburg
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fredericksburg courts (701 Princess Anne St), accessible via I-95, Route 1, Route 3, and Route 17. We represent clients throughout the Fredericksburg area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fredericksburg carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Fredericksburg General District Court (701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401). 6 total documented case results across all practice areas (83% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Fredericksburg Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 6 total documented case results across all practice areas (83% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Fredericksburg. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fredericksburg General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Fredericksburg are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fredericksburg General District Court (701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 6 total documented case results across all practice areas (83% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Fredericksburg?
Fredericksburg General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fredericksburg Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Fredericksburg General District Court (701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Fredericksburg DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — former prosecutor
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.