In Orange County, an attempt crime under Va. Code § 18.2-26 carries the same penalty as the completed offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Orange County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Orange County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-26 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines an attempt as any act done with intent to commit a crime that goes beyond mere preparation but falls short of completion. Under Va. Code § 18.2-26, attempt is punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) or, if the completed offense is a felony, the attempt is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years). The prosecution must prove both criminal intent and a substantial step toward completion. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled numerous attempt cases in Orange County courts.
For more information, review the Virginia attempt statute (Va. Code § 18.2-26) and the Orange County General District Court website.
- Step 1: Contact an attempt lawyer Orange County immediately after arrest to preserve evidence and witness statements.
- Step 2: Review the charging document with your attorney to determine if the alleged act constitutes a substantial step or mere preparation.
- Step 3: File a motion to dismiss if the prosecution cannot prove specific intent to commit the underlying crime.
- Step 4: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduction to a lesser charge or diversion program eligibility.
- Step 5: Prepare for preliminary hearing in Orange County General District Court (110 N. Madison Road, Suite 300).
- Step 6: If bound over to Circuit Court, pursue jury trial or plea agreement based on evidence strength.
In Orange County, an attempt crime carries penalties equal to the completed offense: up to 12 months jail for misdemeanor attempts, 1-5 years for felony attempts.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attempt (misdemeanor target) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| Attempt (felony target) | Class 6 felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Orange County, we have 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Our team also includes Kristen M. Fisher (former MD Assistant State’s Attorney, joined 2010, barred in VA and MD) and Matthew Greene (30+ years, death penalty certified, 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria).
In Orange County, we have 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 45 minutes from Orange County General District Court, accessible via Route 15, Route 20, Route 33, and Route 231.
Searching for an attempt lawyer near Orange County? We serve Orange, Gordonsville, and surrounding communities.
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.
Q: What is the penalty for an attempt crime in Orange County, Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-26, attempt carries the same penalty as the completed offense. Misdemeanor attempts: up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine. Felony attempts: 1-5 years in prison.
Q: Can attempt charges be dismissed in Orange County?
Yes. Dismissal is possible if the prosecution cannot prove specific intent or a substantial step. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may also lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
Q: Do I need an attempt lawyer Orange County for a first offense?
It depends. Even a first-offense attempt creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers. An attorney can negotiate for diversion or reduction to a lesser charge.
Q: How does bail work for attempt charges in Orange County?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanor attempts. Secured bond (10% to bondsman) is typical for felony attempts. Bond can be appealed to the General District Court.
Q: What is the difference between attempt and conspiracy in Virginia?
Attempt requires a substantial step toward completing a crime. Conspiracy requires an agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime. Both are separate offenses under Virginia law.
See our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer page for state-wide information.
For nearby localities, see our Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer pages.
For related practice areas in Orange County, see our DUI Lawyer Orange County and Reckless Driving Lawyer Orange County pages.
Learn more about our team: Kristen Fisher.
Visit our Fairfax Office location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.