Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
A criminal charge in Chesterfield County creates a permanent record and can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses its 120+ years of combined attorney experience to handle these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court procedures, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: You enter a plea at 9500 Courthouse Road. The court schedules future hearings.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Most cases resolve through plea agreements. Bench trials occur in GDC; jury trials move to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals go to Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how Chesterfield County prosecutors build cases. We have achieved 5 documented results in Chesterfield County with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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 Chesterfield County
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, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park, serving Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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). 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
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. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
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. 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 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. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (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 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. Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Colonial Heights criminal defense lawyer. In Chesterfield County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving defense. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.