Facing criminal charges 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Contact a Human Trafficking Lawyer Orange County today.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Misdemeanors include Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) and Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Orange County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Orange County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For official court information, visit the Orange County General District Court website. Review the complete Virginia Criminal Code (Title 18.2) for statutory definitions.
Insider Knowledge: Orange County Court Procedure
Orange County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment in Orange County GDC within 72 hours of arrest.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in GDC for misdemeanors; preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days if convicted in GDC.
In Orange County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on the classification.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Orange County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating our firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law.
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
Orange County Criminal Defense Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Orange County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results demonstrate our commitment to aggressive criminal defense in Orange County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Orange County courts (110 N. Madison Road, Suite 300, Orange, VA 22960), accessible via Route 15, Route 20, Route 33, and Route 231. We serve the communities of Orange and Gordonsville.
Looking for a trafficking charge defense lawyer Orange County or a forced labor defense lawyer Orange County? We handle all criminal matters.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Orange County
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).
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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.
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.