Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Hanover County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can bring 1-10 years imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County with 100% favorable outcome. Our Richmond location serves clients facing prosecution at Hanover County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defining offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes cases at Hanover County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, with felony trials moving to Hanover County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). Court information and procedures for Hanover County are available at the Virginia Courts website for Hanover County General District Court.
Hanover County Criminal Court Process
Hanover County General District Court at 7507 Library Drive handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes cases, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter plea at Hanover County General District Court.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review prosecution evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate plea agreement with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or appeal: Receive sentence if convicted or appeal to Hanover County Circuit Court for jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Hanover County
In Hanover County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can bring 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft conviction record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and legal arguments presented.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who understand both sides of criminal cases.
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 Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Hanover County: 1 case dismissed/not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for our Hanover County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Hanover County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. We represent clients throughout Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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 Hanover County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Hanover 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 heard at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Hanover County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Hanover County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Hanover County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Hanover County?
Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover 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. Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby jurisdictions including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. For related practice areas in Hanover County, see Hanover County DUI/DWI defense and Hanover County family law.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.