Accomack VA Criminal Attempt Lawyer — Defending Against Inchoate Offenses
An attempt to commit a felony or misdemeanor is a serious crime under Virginia law, even if the intended act was not completed. In Accomack County, these charges are prosecuted in the Accomack County General District Court. If you are accused, an Accomack VA criminal attempt lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Criminal Attempt
Virginia law defines criminal attempt under Va. Code § 18.2-26. This statute makes it a crime to attempt to commit any felony or misdemeanor. The prosecution must prove you had the specific intent to commit the underlying crime and took a direct, substantial step toward its completion. The penalties for attempt are generally one classification lower than the completed offense, but they can still involve significant jail time and fines.
Last verified: April 2026 | Accomack County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-26 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the Accomack County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Attempt Charges
In Accomack County, attempt charges begin with an arrest or summons. The key local procedural fact is that Accomack County General District Court handles sex crimes matters for Accomack and surrounding areas. Contact the clerk for local scheduling requirements. For attempt charges, the prosecution must meticulously establish both intent and a substantial step, which creates specific defense opportunities a skilled criminal attorney can exploit.
- Arrest & Initial Hearing: You will be arraigned in Accomack County General District Court, where the charges are formally read.
- Review of Evidence: Your defense lawyer will obtain all discovery, including police reports and witness statements, to assess the prosecution’s case on intent.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your criminal court lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if the “substantial step” element is not met.
- Plea or Trial: Based on the evidence, you may negotiate a plea or proceed to a bench trial in General District Court. Felony attempts may be certified to Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Attempt
In Accomack, a criminal attempt conviction carries penalties typically one class lower than the completed crime, but can still result in jail, fines, and a permanent record.
| Underlying Crime Attempted | Attempt Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Misdemeanor (e.g., assault) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record, possible probation |
| Class 6 Felony (e.g., larceny) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Class 5 Felony (e.g., burglary) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Felony record, prolonged probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has a documented record of handling complex criminal charges defense. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial or technical evidence. Our team understands the high stakes of attempt charges and works to protect your future.
Case Results
Our firm has a firm-wide track record across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC of 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In complex criminal cases, our defense lawyers, including secondary attorney Matthew Greene who brings over 30 years of experience and formerly held a CPS contract in Alexandria, focus on challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent and action.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Accomack VA Criminal Attempt Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves Accomack County and surrounding communities. We are accessible for clients on the Eastern Shore.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be charged with attempted murder if no one was hurt?
Yes. Attempted murder is a serious felony in Virginia. The charge requires proof of intent to kill and a substantial step toward committing the act, even if no injury occurs.
What is a “substantial step” under Virginia law?
It depends on the crime. It is an action that strongly corroborates the defendant’s criminal intent and goes beyond mere preparation. Examples include pointing a loaded gun or unlawfully entering a building with burglary tools.
Are the penalties for attempt the same as the completed crime?
No. Under Va. Code § 18.2-26, the punishment for an attempt is generally one classification lower. For example, attempting a Class 5 felony becomes a Class 6 felony.
Can a charge be dropped if I changed my mind?
It depends. Voluntary abandonment before the substantial step is complete can be a defense. However, you must prove you fully and voluntarily renounced the criminal intent, not just paused due to outside difficulty.
Why do I need a lawyer for an attempt charge?
An Accomack VA criminal attempt lawyer is crucial because these cases hinge on nuanced legal concepts of intent. A strong defense can challenge whether your actions truly constituted a “substantial step” toward a crime.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, we also assist with reckless driving in Accomack and petit larceny charges in Accomack. For more on our statewide practice, see our Virginia sex crimes lawyer hub page. We also represent clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a Accomack case fits into the wider process, our page on criminal attempt lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.