In Orange County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Orange County: 3 dismissals and 1 reduction. Former prosecutors handle your case. 24/7 consultations available.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law
Virginia law 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 (up to 30 days, $250). Felonies include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). Sentencing follows Va. Code § 19.2-295.1. Expungement is available for dismissals and acquittals under § 19.2-392.2. First-offender programs under § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
Last verified: April 2026 | Orange County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Court and Statute Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Orange County General District Court — Official Court Website
Local Court Procedures in Orange County
Orange County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at 110 N. Madison Road. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available for eligible defendants.
- Arrest and initial appearance before magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment at Orange County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery phase: exchange evidence with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial before judge (GDC) or jury (Circuit Court on appeal).
- Sentencing or dismissal upon completion of conditions.
In Orange County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to state prison 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; potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Criminal record; possible vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. 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 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.
Our Orange County Criminal Defense Services
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Orange County courts (110 N. Madison Road), accessible via Route 15, Route 20, Route 33, and Route 231. We serve Orange, Gordonsville, and surrounding communities.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Orange County? We provide representation throughout the area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Orange 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 Orange County General District Court (110 N. Madison Road, Suite 300, Orange, VA 22960). 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Orange County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Orange County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Orange County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Orange County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Orange County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Orange County General District Court (110 N. Madison Road, Suite 300, Orange, VA 22960). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). 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. Orange County General District Court (110 N. Madison Road, Suite 300, Orange, VA 22960) is the GDC location.
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.