Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Class 1 or 2) and felonies (Class 1 through 6). The specific statute determines the classification and penalty range. Common charges in King William County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301).
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and forms for King William County are available through the King William County General District Court website.
King William County Court Process
King William County General District Court at 351 Courthouse Lane handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King William County prosecutes cases. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in King William County Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Your first court date is arraignment in King William County General District Court, where you enter a plea.
- For misdemeanors, a trial is typically scheduled 4-8 weeks after arraignment.
- For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- If the case proceeds to King William County Circuit Court, you can request a jury trial.
- Sentencing follows a guilty verdict or plea, with penalties set by Virginia law.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in King William County
In King William County, criminal charges carry defined penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Experience in King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on criminal defense in King William County, with documented results showing a pattern of favorable outcomes for our clients.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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
Case Results in King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County, Virginia, with both cases resulting in reduced or amended charges—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). As a criminal defense lawyer near King William County, we represent clients in King William, West Point, and Aylett. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747—meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William 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 are heard at King William County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William 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 King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King William County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in King William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information on criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. In King William County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or our Richmond location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.