Stafford County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 18 documented results in Stafford County: 17 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Stafford County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Virginia classifies criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2. 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. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Stafford County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Stafford County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Review the official Virginia statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and Stafford County General District Court.
In Stafford County General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle high-volume misdemeanor dockets. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion. Your attorney can negotiate these programs before trial.
- Arrest and bond set by magistrate at Stafford County Adult Detention Center.
- First court appearance at Stafford County General District Court (1300 Courthouse Road).
- Request first-offender program or negotiate plea at arraignment.
- If no agreement, schedule trial within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanor.
- For felony charges, preliminary hearing in GDC within 21-60 days.
- Felony trial in Stafford County Circuit Court within 3-9 months.
In Stafford County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to 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 |
| 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.
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 handled 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Stafford County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 18 documented results: 17 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ results with 93%+ favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 30 miles from Stafford County courts (1300 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95 and Route 1.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Stafford? We serve Stafford, Aquia Harbour, and Brooke.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Stafford 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 Stafford County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Stafford 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 Stafford County Circuit Court.
How does bail work in Stafford 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 Stafford County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Stafford County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Stafford County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Stafford County?
Stafford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Stafford 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 pages: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | DUI Lawyer Stafford County
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.