Orange County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months jail for Class 1 misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Orange County with 3 dismissals and 1 reduction. Former prosecutors handle your case. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia classifies criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). 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 and Orange County Circuit Court. Sentencing follows Va. Code § 19.2-295.1, and expungement for dismissals or acquittals follows § 19.2-392.2. First-offender programs under § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
Last verified: April 2026 | Orange County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Orange County General District Court website for court procedures.
Orange County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney typically offers first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants. Successful completion results in dismissal.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond.
- Arraignment at Orange County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Request first-offender program or enter a plea.
- Discovery phase: review police reports and evidence.
- Pre-trial motions or plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or sentencing hearing at Orange County General District Court.
In Orange County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging 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 120+ years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases in Orange County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
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
Secondary attorney: Kristen M. Fisher — Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney, joined firm 2010. Bar: MD, VA. Her prosecution background strengthens defense strategies in Orange County criminal cases.
In Orange County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 45 minutes from Orange County courts (110 N. Madison Road), accessible via Route 15, Route 20, Route 33, and Route 231.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Orange County? We serve Orange, Gordonsville, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
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.
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.
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