Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Defense Statutes
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies with specific penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment, or at jury discretion, up to 12 months plus a $2,500 fine. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings background in accounting and information systems to complex financial cases. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Chesterfield County court information, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website for forms, hours, and contact details.
Chesterfield County Criminal Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. The magistrate sets bond conditions. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common. For felonies, secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear the charges at Chesterfield County General District Court. Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. This preserves your right to discovery and motions.
- Discovery review and motion filing: Request all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Negotiation or trial preparation: Evaluate plea offers from prosecutors. If no acceptable offer exists, prepare for trial at Chesterfield County General District Court for misdemeanors, or Chesterfield County Circuit Court for felonies.
- Trial or disposition: Present your case before a judge (GDC) or jury (Circuit Court). For misdemeanors, trials occur in General District Court. For felonies, preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. For GDC convictions, you have 10 days to appeal to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Chesterfield County Criminal Penalties
In Chesterfield County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Restitution, felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Bond amount is set by the magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%). Public defender eligibility is based on income. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and combines over 120 years of attorney experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Global advocacy. Local precision. In Chesterfield County, our attorneys understand local court procedures and prosecutor tendencies.
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
Chesterfield County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented criminal defense results in Chesterfield County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 2 charges reduced or amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results involved assault, larceny, and drug possession charges heard at Chesterfield County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center, Pocahontas State Park, and the Chesterfield County Courthouse complex.
We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley 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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). 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 Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Colonial Heights. In Chesterfield