Criminal Defense Lawyer in King George County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King George County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more) are heard in King George County Circuit Court and carry potential prison sentences.
Last verified: March 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Court information, including forms and procedures for the King George County General District Court, is available on the Virginia Judiciary website.
King George County Court Process
Your case will begin at the King George County General District Court located at 10446 Government Center Blvd. This court handles misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings for felonies. Felony jury trials are held in King George County Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets conditions for release; personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The prosecution must show probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Trial: A bench trial occurs in General District Court; you have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; you can appeal a GDC verdict to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in King George
In King George County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the offense classification and specific circumstances of the case.
| 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, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Disorderly Conduct | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Criminal record, possible jail |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the discretion of the judge.
Our Experience in Virginia Criminal Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has a documented record of handling criminal cases across Virginia. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into both sides of a criminal case.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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, with 3 cases resulting in dismissal or a not guilty verdict, reflecting a 75% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Near King George County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the King George County courts, accessible via Route 3 and Route 301. We provide representation for individuals in King George, Dahlgren, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 are 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 are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King George County General District Court. 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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. In King George County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and reckless driving charges. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.