Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fredericksburg
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor, like assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at the Fredericksburg General District Court located at 701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fredericksburg General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Fredericksburg court information, visit the Fredericksburg General District Court website.
Fredericksburg Criminal Court Process
Fredericksburg General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is at 701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200. Felony jury trials and appeals happen at Fredericksburg Circuit Court.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge, hear charges, and enter a plea at Fredericksburg GDC.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. Appeals from GDC go to Fredericksburg Circuit Court.
Fredericksburg Criminal Penalties
In Fredericksburg, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Experience in Fredericksburg Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Our Fredericksburg criminal defense is led by Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland who joined the firm in 2010. She provides direct insight into prosecution strategies used in courts like Fredericksburg General District Court.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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 Criminal 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, accessible via I-95 and Route 1. We represent clients throughout the Fredericksburg area and surrounding communities. Contact us for a criminal defense lawyer near Fredericksburg Historic Downtown or University of Mary Washington.
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 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
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Fredericksburg, we handle related matters like DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen M. Fisher.
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.