Misdemeanors are crimes for which the maximum penalty is generally one year or less in prison. There are 4 classes of misdemeanors in Virginia.
The maximum punishments for each are as follows:
Class 1: confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and/or a fine of not more than $2,500;
Class 2: confinement in jail for not more than six months and/or a fine of not more than $1,000;
Class 3: a fine of not more than $500;
Class 4: a fine of not more than $250.
Misdemeanors generally start and end in General District Court (or Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court). Your first court date is known as an arraignment. There, the judge will advise you of the charge, determine whether you have a right to counsel, and, if so, determine eligibility for court-appointed counsel. You will then be assigned a second court date which is generally your trial date. Even if you don’t have a legal right to counsel, or you do not qualify for court-appointed counsel, you are free to hire your own criminal attorney at any time. This should be done as soon as possible before your trial date.
The Irving Law Firm
9253 Mosby St., 2nd Floor
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 844-4118
