Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Criminal defense in Lexington involves handling the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street, where the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia categorizes crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, defined under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). A Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious, can result in up to 12 months incarceration and a $2,500 fine. Felonies, such as grand larceny of property valued over $1,000, carry potential prison sentences of one year or more. The statutory framework also includes specific sentencing guidelines under § 19.2-295.1 and expungement procedures under § 19.2-392.2 for certain case outcomes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For court-specific procedures, forms, and contact information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
The criminal process in Lexington begins with an arrest or summons. Misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings are held at the Lexington General District Court. Felony jury trials and appeals are handled by the Lexington Circuit Court.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Rockbridge Regional Jail or via video. The magistrate will set bond conditions, which may include personal recognizance for first offenses.
- Arraignment at Lexington GDC: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. For misdemeanors, you can request a trial date. For felonies, a preliminary hearing date is set.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will request evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Most cases resolve through plea agreements. If no agreement is reached, a bench trial is held in GDC for misdemeanors. Felonies proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Lexington Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Lexington
In Lexington, a criminal conviction carries penalties ranging from fines and probation to significant jail time, with felonies potentially resulting in years of incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to its representation. Our approach in Lexington is informed by direct knowledge of local court procedures and prosecution strategies.
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
Documented Case Results in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Representation Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts, accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington and the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), we represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
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 Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington 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 Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, 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 Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington 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 Lexington, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington 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. Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Lexington, we handle related matters including DUI defense and reckless driving charges. Learn more about your attorney, Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.