Child Abuse Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A child abuse charge in Henrico County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-371.1, carrying severe penalties and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County.
Virginia Child Abuse Laws and Penalties
In Virginia, child abuse and neglect are defined under Va. Code § 18.2-371.1 as a willful act or omission in the care of a child that causes serious injury or creates a substantial risk of death, disfigurement, or impairment. This is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. More severe injuries can elevate the charge to a Class 4 felony (2-10 years) or Class 2 felony (20 years to life). The law applies to parents, guardians, and any person responsible for the child’s care.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-371.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found on the Henrico County General District Court website.
handling a Child Abuse Case in Henrico County
Child abuse investigations in Henrico County often involve Child Protective Services (CPS) and law enforcement simultaneously. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases aggressively. A key local procedural fact is that initial hearings are held at the Henrico County General District Court, but felony charges are ultimately tried in Henrico County Circuit Court. The court is located at 4301 East Parham Road.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Contact a defense attorney before speaking with CPS or police. Your attorney will advise you on your rights.
- Case Assessment & Investigation: Your lawyer will review all allegations, police reports, and medical records to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: An attorney can file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal of charges.
- Trial Preparation: If a plea agreement is not in your best interest, your lawyer will prepare a vigorous defense for trial in Henrico County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Child Abuse in Virginia
In Henrico County, a child abuse conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-371.1 is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Abuse/Neglect (Serious Injury) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of custody, permanent criminal record, CPS involvement, mandatory reporter listing. |
| Child Abuse (Severe Injury) | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | All of the above, plus potential termination of parental rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a child abuse charge and the significant impact of a false child abuse accusation. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing unique insight into how these cases are built and how to challenge them effectively.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’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 Henrico County, our attorneys have achieved 8 documented criminal defense results: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for those clients. While we vigorously defend every case, specific outcomes depend on the unique facts involved.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Child Abuse Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We provide representation for residents of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m falsely accused of child abuse in Henrico County?
Do not speak to investigators or CPS without a lawyer. Contact a false child abuse accusation lawyer Henrico County immediately. An attorney can protect your rights, guide your response, and begin gathering evidence to rebut the allegations.
Can a child abuse charge be dropped in Virginia?
It depends. Charges can be dropped (nolle prosequi) if evidence is weak, witnesses recant, or an investigation reveals the accusation is false. A skilled child abuse charge defense lawyer Henrico County can negotiate with the prosecutor or file motions to achieve a dismissal.
What is the difference between a CPS investigation and a criminal case?
CPS investigates child safety for potential civil actions (like removing custody). A criminal case is brought by the Commonwealth to impose jail time. They often run parallel. A child abuse lawyer Henrico County can represent you in both proceedings.
What are the long-term consequences of a child abuse conviction?
A conviction results in a permanent felony record, prison time, loss of custody or visitation rights, difficulty finding employment and housing, and mandatory listing on child abuse registries. This underscores the need for an aggressive defense.
Why is it important to hire a lawyer experienced with false accusations?
Yes. A lawyer experienced with false accusations knows how to identify coaching, inconsistent statements, and ulterior motives (like in custody disputes). They can work with investigators and experts to uncover the truth and clear your name.
For more information on related legal matters, see our pages on Virginia criminal defense, Chesterfield County criminal defense, and domestic violence defense in Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.