
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia
Fredericksburg criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies with prison terms; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Fredericksburg with an 83% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutors provide defense at Fredericksburg General District Court and Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fredericksburg
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Fredericksburg cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at local courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fredericksburg General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience to handle criminal matters in Fredericksburg.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For Fredericksburg court information, visit the Fredericksburg General District Court website.
Fredericksburg Court Process
Fredericksburg General District Court handles 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. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Formal reading of charges at 701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200. You enter a plea.
- Discovery and motions: Prosecution provides evidence. Your attorney files pre-trial motions.
- Trial or negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings determine if evidence supports Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals from GDC go to Circuit Court.
- Expungement: For acquittals, dismissals, or nolle prosequi, file an expungement petition in Fredericksburg Circuit Court under § 19.2-392.2.
Fredericksburg Criminal Penalties
In Fredericksburg, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to prison time, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 (Class 5) | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Experience in Fredericksburg Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings former prosecutor insight to Fredericksburg cases. Founded in 1997, the firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Our Fredericksburg criminal defense is led by attorneys who understand local prosecution strategies and court procedures.
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland—prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. Represents clients in Fredericksburg General District Court and Circuit 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
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 documented case results in Fredericksburg across all practice areas, with an 83% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in criminal matters.
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, and Route 3. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Fredericksburg, Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, and 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: (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 | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fredericksburg DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.