Virginia · Criminal & Records
The Virginia Criminal Law Guide
Understanding Virginia's criminal process, from arrest and bail hearings to felony classifications, sentencing guidelines, and potential case outcomes.
2026-2027 Edition · Cited to Virginia law · Plain language
Paperback · $19.99
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Cited to the statute · Legal information, not legal advice
How a Virginia criminal case moves from arrest to sentencing
Felony and misdemeanor classes, bail hearings, arraignment, preliminary hearings, indictment, and sentencing guidelines, explained in plain language.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
An arrest in Virginia sets off a fast-moving process with its own vocabulary: magistrates, bonds, arraignments, preliminary hearings, and indictments. For the person charged and for the family waiting for news, it can be hard to tell what comes next.
The Virginia Criminal Law Guide explains how criminal cases move through the Commonwealth's courts under Title 18.2 (crimes) and Title 19.2 (procedure) of the Code of Virginia. It covers how offenses are sorted into six felony classes and four misdemeanor classes, with the statutory punishment ranges for each, and how the General District Court and Circuit Court divide the work.
The guide covers:
• How a magistrate or judge decides bail and pretrial release under § 19.2-120
• What happens at arraignment, a preliminary hearing, and a grand jury indictment
• How Virginia's discretionary sentencing guidelines and jury sentencing work
• Deferred disposition under § 19.2-298.02, appeals, and habeas corpus deadlines
• Expungement, record sealing, and restoration of rights
Each topic is explained from two perspectives: the accused person and the family member or supporter. Real-world questions and answers, checklists, comparison tables, and a glossary round out the guide.
This guide is for Virginians facing charges, their families, and anyone who wants to understand how the system works. Legal information, not legal advice.
WHAT’S INSIDE
- The Foundation of Virginia Criminal Law
- Classification of Offenses: Felonies and Misdemeanors
- The Initial Stages: Arrest, Bail, and Arraignment
- The Path of a Felony Case: From Hearing to Indictment
- Exceptions and Defenses in Virginia Criminal Law
- Rights and Role of a Family Member or Supporter
- Step-by-step procedures from each side, with deadlines at a glance
- 22 real-world questions and answers
- Statute index, key court decisions and official forms
- Toolkit: checklists, comparison tables, glossary and common mistakes to avoid
WHY READERS TRUST THIS GUIDE
Plain language. Cited to the statute. Dated so you know it is current.
Every rule is cited to Virginia law so you can verify it.
Cited, so you can check it
Every rule names the section of Virginia law it comes from, so you can read the source yourself.
Plain language, no filler
Written to be read start to finish by someone with no legal training, with worked examples.
Dated and updated
Each guide carries a law-current date and new editions ship when the law changes.
Bonus toolkit
Register your book for this topic’s checklists, worksheets and starter template, as soon as they are ready.
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BUY
Virginia criminal charges: what to know before you order.
Straight answers about what the guide is, what it covers and how it reaches you.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Virginia?
An offense is a felony if it is punishable by confinement in a state correctional facility. All other crimes are misdemeanors. The guide explains the six felony and four misdemeanor classes.
How is bail decided in Virginia?
Bail is granted unless there is probable cause to believe the person will not appear or poses an unreasonable danger. The guide explains the factors a magistrate or judge weighs.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is legal information in plain language, cited to the law, so you understand your options and know what to ask. Reading it creates no attorney-client relationship.
Is it written for Virginia?
Yes. This guide is written for Virginia law and cites the Virginia statutes and rules it relies on. If your case is in another state, choose that state's edition.
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PLEASE READ
Legal information, not legal advice. STACKED LEGAL® is a publisher, not a law firm. Buying or reading this book creates no attorney-client relationship and promises no outcome. Laws change; verify current law and talk to a licensed attorney in Virginia about your situation.
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