Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia
Criminal charges in Fredericksburg are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fredericksburg General District Court located at 701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal offenses are defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Fredericksburg include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301). Sentencing guidelines are established under Va. Code § 19.2-295.1, while expungement procedures follow Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 for acquittals and dismissals.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fredericksburg General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). Court information, forms, and procedures for Fredericksburg are available through the Virginia Courts website (vacourts.gov).
Fredericksburg Court Procedures
Fredericksburg General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200. Felony jury trials and appeals from GDC decisions proceed to Fredericksburg Circuit Court.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Fredericksburg General District Court: Appear at 701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200. Enter a plea and request counsel if needed.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: File motions to suppress evidence. Review prosecution evidence with your attorney.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeal GDC decisions to Circuit Court within 10 days.
Criminal Penalties in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program eligible |
Results may vary. The penalties shown are maximum statutory penalties; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense cases in Fredericksburg. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal proceedings.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’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 Fredericksburg
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fredericksburg with an 83% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fredericksburg courts, accessible via I-95, Route 1, Route 3, and Route 17. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Fredericksburg, serving the Fredericksburg area 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: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg General District Court (701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401). 6 total documented case results across all practice areas (83% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 6 total documented case results across all practice areas (83% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Fredericksburg. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Fredericksburg are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fredericksburg General District Court (701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 6 total documented case results across all practice areas (83% 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 Fredericksburg?
Fredericksburg General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fredericksburg 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. Fredericksburg General District Court (701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For Virginia criminal defense overview, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby areas, see Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in Fredericksburg, consider Fredericksburg DUI lawyer or Fredericksburg family law lawyer. Learn more about Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.