Attempt to Commit a Felony Defense in King George County, Virginia
An attempt to commit a felony in King George County is a serious crime under Virginia law, punishable by up to half the penalty of the intended felony. If you are charged with this incomplete crime, you need an experienced attempt to commit a felony lawyer in King George County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Attempt Crimes
In Virginia, an “attempt” to commit a felony is itself a crime. The law, under Va. Code § 18.2-26, states that any person who attempts to commit a felony can be punished by up to one-half of the maximum penalty for the completed felony. For example, if the intended felony carried a maximum of 20 years, the attempt could result in up to 10 years in prison. The prosecution must prove you took a “direct, unequivocal act” toward committing the crime, going beyond mere preparation.
Last verified: April 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-26 (Attempts to Commit Felonies) – Official Virginia statute.
- King George County General District Court – Official court website for case information.
Defending an Attempt Charge in King George County
An attempted felony defense lawyer in King George County must challenge the prosecution’s evidence that you took a “substantial step” toward the crime. Common defenses include lack of intent, abandonment of the attempt, or that your actions only amounted to preparation. In King George County Circuit Court, prosecutors must prove both your intent to commit the felony and an overt act. Our defense strategy often involves scrutinizing police reports and witness statements for weaknesses.
- Arrest & Initial Hearing: You will be arraigned in King George County General District Court, where the charge is formally read.
- Preliminary Hearing: The court determines if there is probable cause to believe you attempted the felony. This is a key stage for your defense.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For felony attempts, the case is typically sent to a grand jury for indictment before proceeding to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: All felony trials, including attempts, are held in King George County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, aiming for reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Attempting a Felony
In King George County, an attempt to commit a felony carries a penalty of up to one-half the maximum sentence for the completed crime, along with potential fines and a permanent criminal record.
| Intended Felony | Classification of Attempt | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Class 3 Felony) | Class 4 Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $100,000 |
| Robbery (Class 5 Felony) | Class 6 Felony | Up to 2.5 years | Up to $50,000 |
| Aggravated Malicious Wounding (Class 2 Felony) | Class 3 Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $100,000 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
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-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of an attempt to commit a felony charge and build defenses focused on the specific intent and act requirements of Virginia law.
Case Results & Defense Strategy
Our approach to defending an attempt to commit a felony charge in King George County involves immediate investigation. We examine whether the alleged act truly crossed the line from preparation to a substantial step. For instance, in a recent case handled by attorney Matthew Greene, a client faced an attempted burglary charge after being found near a commercial property with tools. Through pre-trial motions challenging the intent evidence, we secured a favorable reduction to a misdemeanor trespassing charge, avoiding a felony conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our King George County Defense Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients at King George County courts. We are accessible via Route 3 and Route 301. We provide representation for residents in King George and Dahlgren.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Attempt to Commit a Felony Charges
What is the legal definition of “attempt” in Virginia?
It depends. Under Va. Code § 18.2-26, an attempt requires both the intent to commit a specific felony and a direct, unequivocal act toward its commission that goes beyond mere preparation. The act must be a substantial step that strongly corroborates the criminal intent.
Can I be charged with an attempt if I changed my mind?
Yes, if you took a substantial step toward the crime before changing your mind. Virginia law focuses on the act taken with intent. A complete and voluntary abandonment before the crime is committed can be a defense, but it must be proven you truly renounced the criminal purpose.
Is attempted felony a misdemeanor or felony?
An attempt to commit a felony is generally classified as a felony itself, but it is one grade lower than the intended felony. For example, an attempt to commit a Class 3 felony becomes a Class 4 felony, with penalties up to half of the maximum for the completed crime.
What are common defenses to an attempt charge?
Common defenses include lack of specific intent, impossibility (the act could not have resulted in the crime), abandonment, and that the defendant’s actions only amounted to preparation, not a substantial step. An incomplete crime defense lawyer in King George County can evaluate which defense applies to your case.
Where will my case be heard in King George County?
Your initial arraignment and preliminary hearing will be in the King George County General District Court. If the case proceeds, the felony trial for an attempt charge will be held in the King George County Circuit Court, located at 10446 Government Center Blvd.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing an attempt to commit a felony charge, you may also want to learn about criminal defense strategies. For charges across Virginia, see our statewide sex crimes defense hub. We also assist 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 legal guidance.
King George County cases are handled by our Virginia attempt to commit a felony practice, where the whole process is set out.