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In 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. A strong defense is your best option. Call 24/7.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Stafford County, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
Last verified: April 2026 | Stafford County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, criminal offenses are defined by statute. In Stafford County, charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 6 felonies (1-5 years in prison). The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Stafford County General District Court. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for these charges.
For more information, see the official Stafford County General District Court website.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a magistrate for bond setting. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest) at Stafford County General District Court.
- Discovery: Your lawyer reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence, including police reports and witness statements.
- Motions: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal violations.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial before a judge or you negotiate a plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence within the statutory range.
In Stafford County, criminal charges carry a penalty range from up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor to 1-10 years for a Class 5 felony.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
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
The 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 achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Stafford County, we have 18 documented results: 17 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Fairfax Location is 45 minutes from Stafford County courts, accessible via I-95. We serve Stafford, Aquia Harbour, and Brooke.
Criminal defense lawyer near Stafford County.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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: 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 Stafford County General District Court (1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554). 18 documented results: 17 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Stafford 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 Stafford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 18 documented results: 17 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Stafford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Stafford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Stafford 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 Stafford County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Stafford County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Stafford County General District Court (1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 18 documented results: 17 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 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. Stafford County General District Court (1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554) is the GDC location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.