Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Hanover County criminal charges are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide case-specific defense at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive).
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Criminal Code. Misdemeanors include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) and petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), while felonies encompass grand larceny and more serious violent crimes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Hanover County court information: Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes cases at the courthouse on Library Drive.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate.
- Arraignment at Hanover County General District Court to enter plea.
- Discovery review and pre-trial motions filing.
- Misdemeanor trial in GDC or felony preliminary hearing.
- Sentencing or appeal to Hanover County Circuit Court.
In Hanover County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our Hanover County criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement insight to defense strategy.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Hanover County: 1 case dismissed/not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive). Criminal defense lawyer near Hanover County accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 301. We serve Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. 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 Hanover County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Hanover 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 Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Hanover County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Hanover County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover 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 Hanover County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Hanover County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (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 Hanover County?
Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover 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. Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069) is the GDC location.
Virginia criminal defense overview: Virginia criminal defense lawyer. Nearby criminal defense: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. Related services in Hanover County: Hanover County DUI/DWI lawyer and Hanover County family law lawyer. Attorney profile: Bryan Block profile. Location: Richmond office.
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.