Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. 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. Common charges in Henrico County include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301).
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Henrico County Court Process for Criminal Cases
Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Henrico County General District Court.
- Pre-trial & Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; you have a right to a jury trial in Henrico County Circuit Court for any jail-eligible offense.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals from GDC go to Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Henrico County
In Henrico County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months jail; a Class 5 felony means 1-10 years.
| 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 typically | 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 (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Henrico County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases in Henrico County. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police procedures and evidence challenges. We focus on case-specific defense strategies, not generic approaches.
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 Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results involved charges such as assault, theft, and driving offenses in Henrico County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We represent individuals in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. Accessible via I-64, I-95, and Route 250.
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 Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court. 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 Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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 Services
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.