Criminal Defense Lawyer in King George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A criminal charge means the Commonwealth’s Attorney for King George County alleges you violated a state statute. The classification determines potential penalties: misdemeanors (less serious) and felonies (more serious).
Last verified: March 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the King George County General District Court website.
King George County Court Process
King George County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arraignment: You appear in King George County General District Court to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial: Your attorney reviews evidence and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Hearing: For misdemeanors, a bench trial occurs in GDC. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if there’s enough evidence for Circuit Court.
- Disposition: The case concludes through dismissal, plea agreement, or trial verdict.
- Appeal: You can appeal a GDC decision to King George County Circuit Court for a new trial.
- Expungement: If eligible under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, file a petition in Circuit Court to seal the record.
Criminal Penalties in King George County
In King George County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification under Virginia law.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense, Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Possible first offender program |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case facts and court discretion.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman (approximately 10% fee). Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies, based on income eligibility.
Firm Credentials
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+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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, representing a 75% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the King George County courts (10446 Government Center Blvd), accessible via Route 3, Route 301, and Route 206. We are a criminal defense lawyer near King George and Dahlgren. We serve the King George, Dahlgren area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 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?
Yes. Criminal charges in King George County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
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 Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas: Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. In King George County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving defense. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.