In Fredericksburg, Virginia, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Fredericksburg with an 83% favorable outcome rate. A False Claims lawyer Fredericksburg can help you understand your options.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fredericksburg General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Criminal Offenses in Fredericksburg
Virginia classifies criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). The Fredericksburg General District Court at 701 Princess Anne St handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. A False Claims lawyer Fredericksburg understands these classifications and their impact on your case.
External Citation Links
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Fredericksburg General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Fredericksburg General District Court
Fredericksburg General District Court processes cases quickly. Misdemeanor trials occur 4-8 weeks from arraignment. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal matters. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment at Fredericksburg General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery phase: review evidence and file pretrial motions.
- Plea negotiations with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea hearing before the judge.
- Sentencing or dismissal upon program completion.
Penalty Table for Criminal Offenses in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to jail time, depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fredericksburg with an 83% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fredericksburg courts (701 Princess Anne St), accessible via I-95, Route 1, Route 3, and Route 17. We serve Fredericksburg and surrounding communities.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Fredericksburg? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Yes, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and $1,000. Cases are heard at Fredericksburg General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
How does bail work in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fredericksburg General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Fredericksburg are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
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.
Internal Links
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Fredericksburg DUI Lawyer
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.