Criminal Defense Lawyer in King George County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King George County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail. A Class 5 felony can result in 1-10 years in prison. The King George County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – official Virginia General Assembly statutes.
- King George County General District Court website – court information and procedures.
King George County Criminal Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. The King George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials.
- Arraignment: You appear in King George County General District Court to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond conditions; personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the case.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court; felonies move to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You can appeal to Circuit Court or seek expungement for dismissals under § 19.2-392.2.
King George County Criminal Penalties
In King George County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time. A Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months in jail, while a Class 5 felony can mean 1-10 years.
| 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 typically | Protective order, permanent record |
| 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 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
King George County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on criminal defense in King George County, with direct knowledge of local court procedures and prosecutors.
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
King George County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in King George County: 3 cases were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts, representing a 75% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near King George County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the King George County courts, accessible via Route 3 and Route 301. We represent clients throughout the King George and Dahlgren 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: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King George County 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 King George County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in King George County, 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 King George County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in King George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King George County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King George County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King George County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in King George County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King George County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King George County?
King George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King George County 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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you need related legal help, see our King George County DUI lawyer page or King George County family law attorney page.
Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher or visit our Fairfax location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.