In Orange County, 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 4 documented results in Orange County: 3 dismissals and 1 reduction. A Gun Crime Lawyer Orange County can help you fight these charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Orange County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law defines offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) or Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Orange County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Orange County General District Court, located at 110 N. Madison Road, Suite 300, Orange, VA 22960. A Gun Crime Lawyer Orange County understands these statutes and their application in local courts.
For expungement, Virginia law under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 allows for the sealing of records for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi. Most convictions cannot be expunged. First-offender programs under § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal upon successful completion. A Gun Crime Lawyer Orange County can advise on eligibility for these programs.
External citation links: Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly) | Orange County General District Court (official court website)
- Step 1: Initial Appearance — You appear before the magistrate who sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Step 2: Arraignment — At Orange County General District Court, you enter a plea. The court sets a trial date, typically 4-8 weeks out.
- Step 3: Discovery — Your attorney requests evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, including police reports and witness statements.
- Step 4: Pre-Trial Motions — Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural violations.
- Step 5: Trial or Plea — The case proceeds to trial before a judge (no jury in GDC) or resolves through a negotiated plea.
- Step 6: Sentencing or Appeal — If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately. You may appeal to Orange County Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Orange County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time. A Gun Crime Lawyer Orange County can explain the specific penalties for your 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, 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, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
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 documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Orange County, the firm has 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location is located at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032, accessible via Route 15, Route 20, Route 33, and Route 231. We serve clients in Orange and Gordonsville. For a criminal defense lawyer near Orange County, contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747. Meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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.
Internal Links:
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in Orange County
- Divorce/Family Law Lawyer in Orange County
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Fairfax Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.