Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Bedford County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court, while felonies proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bedford County prosecutes all criminal cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute
- Bedford County General District Court website — court information and procedures
Bedford County Court Process
Bedford County General District Court at 123 East Main Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court serves Bedford County and surrounding communities.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Request personal recognizance for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment in General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty at Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202). This preserves your right to a trial.
- Discovery and Motion Filing: Request all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence if police violated your rights during the arrest.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to trial in General District Court for misdemeanors. For felonies, the preliminary hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Proceedings (if applicable): If charged with a felony, you have an absolute right to a jury trial in Bedford County Circuit Court. This is a separate proceeding from the GDC hearing.
Criminal Penalties in Bedford County
In Bedford County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft conviction record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built from both sides.
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 Bedford County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in Bedford County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 other favorable outcome — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Bedford County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Bedford County courts, accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24. We represent clients throughout Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford 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 Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523). 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford 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 Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Bedford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford 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 Bedford County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Bedford County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (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 Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford 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. Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Bedford County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — attorney background
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 guidance.