Criminal Defense Lawyer in King George County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King George County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, can result in up to 12 months in jail. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under § 18.2-95, carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison. The King George County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings for felonies.
Last verified: March 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
King George County Court Process
Your case will begin at the King George County General District Court located at 10446 Government Center Blvd. The court handles arraignments, bond hearings, and misdemeanor trials. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held in GDC to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to King George County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets conditions for release; personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The court determines if there is enough evidence for a felony trial in Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your case proceeds to trial in GDC (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony), or a plea agreement is reached.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in King George County
In King George County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment barriers |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. With 4,739+ firm-wide case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, the firm provides full representation for criminal defense matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating direct involvement in Virginia law.
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
Case Results in King George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in King George County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, resulting in a 75% favorable outcome rate for clients. These results involve charges such as assault, petit larceny, and drug possession heard at the King George County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the King George County courts, accessible via Route 3 and Route 301. As a criminal defense lawyer near King George and Dahlgren, we represent clients throughout the King George County area and surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Statewide hub page
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality
- King George County DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
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.