Criminal Defense Lawyer in Loudoun County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Loudoun County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Loudoun County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials held at Loudoun County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Loudoun County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Loudoun County General District Court website.
Loudoun County Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. The Loudoun County General District Court then handles arraignment, pre-trial motions, and misdemeanor trials. Felony cases move to Loudoun County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate who sets bond conditions. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Loudoun County General District Court.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court, or accept a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, present mitigation for sentencing. If case is dismissed, file for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Loudoun County Criminal Penalties
In Loudoun County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and Class 5 felonies by 1-10 years.
| 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 | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment consequences |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Loudoun County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. In Loudoun County, we have achieved 42 documented results with a 100% favorable outcome rate for our clients. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to every case.
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
Loudoun County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 42 documented criminal defense results in Loudoun County: 35 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 5 charges reduced or amended, and 2 other favorable outcomes. These results reflect our focused approach to defending clients at Loudoun County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Loudoun County
Our Ashburn location serves clients at Loudoun County courts (18 East Market Street). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Loudoun County, accessible to residents of Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Room No. 403
Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Loudoun County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Loudoun 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 Loudoun County General District Court (18 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176). 42 documented results: 35 dismissed/not guilty, 5 reduced/amended, 2 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Loudoun 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 Loudoun County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 42 documented results: 35 dismissed/not guilty, 5 reduced/amended, 2 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Loudoun County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Loudoun County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Loudoun 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 Loudoun County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Loudoun County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Loudoun County General District Court (18 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 42 documented results: 35 dismissed/not guilty, 5 reduced/amended, 2 other favorable (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 Loudoun County?
Loudoun County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Loudoun 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. Loudoun County General District Court (18 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you need related services in Loudoun County, consider our Loudoun County DUI/DWI lawyer or Loudoun County family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.