Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orange County, Virginia
Facing criminal charges in Orange County? A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Orange County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Former prosecutors on staff.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Orange County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4. Felonies include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). Sentencing follows § 19.2-295.1. Expungement for acquittals and dismissals is available under § 19.2-392.2. First offender programs under § 19.2-303.2 may result in dismissal upon successful completion.
Last verified: April 2026 | Orange County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Review the official statute: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Court information: Orange County General District Court.
What to Expect at Orange County General District Court
Orange County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal.
- Arraignment: Your first court date. Enter a plea. Bond is set by the magistrate.
- Discovery: Your lawyer reviews the evidence against you.
- Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: GDC trial for misdemeanors; preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Appeal: Appeals from GDC go to Orange County Circuit Court for a new trial.
In Orange County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time depending on the classification.
| 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 | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (over $1,000) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. With 4,739+ case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide, our attorneys bring deep knowledge of Virginia criminal law. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating his ability to shape Virginia law. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper.
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 Orange County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Orange County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Visit Our Fairfax Location
Our Fairfax location is accessible from Orange County via Route 15, Route 20, Route 33, and Route 231. We serve Orange and Gordonsville.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Orange County? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Orange County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Orange County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Cases are heard at Orange County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Orange County, 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 Orange County Circuit Court.
How does bail work in Orange County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Orange County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Orange County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Orange County 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 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Orange County?
Orange County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Orange 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 Practice Areas
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in Orange County
- Divorce & Family Law Lawyer in Orange County
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Fairfax Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.