In Frederick County, 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 11 documented results in Frederick County, including 4 dismissals. A Theft of Government Property lawyer Frederick County can help you build a strong defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Frederick/Winchester General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
In Virginia, criminal offenses are defined under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). Theft of Government Property lawyer Frederick County cases involve specific federal statutes when property belongs to the United States government.
For more information, review the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Frederick/Winchester General District Court website.
Frederick County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases here. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Step 1: Appear at arraignment at Frederick/Winchester GDC, 5 North Kent Street, Winchester, VA 22601.
- Step 2: Request a first-offender program if eligible under § 19.2-303.2.
- Step 3: Complete court-ordered terms (community service, classes, fines).
- Step 4: Return for dismissal hearing upon successful completion.
- Step 5: File for expungement under § 19.2-392.2 after dismissal.
In Frederick County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time, depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
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 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm handles criminal defense across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
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
Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, also handles criminal defense matters in Frederick County. She joined the firm in 2010 and is admitted to the Virginia and Maryland bars.
In Frederick County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented results: 4 dismissed/not guilty, 3 reduced/amended — a 64% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Frederick County courts (5 North Kent Street), accessible via I-81, Route 7, and Route 11. We serve Winchester, Stephens City, Middletown, Clear Brook, and Gore.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Frederick County? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Frederick County, Virginia?
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 Frederick/Winchester General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Frederick 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 Frederick County Circuit Court.
How does bail work in Frederick 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 GDC.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Frederick County, Virginia?
Yes, even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases. A lawyer can negotiate first-offender programs or dismissals.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Frederick County?
GDC handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
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.
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