Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Chesterfield County criminal charges are serious matters 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 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended. Our former prosecutor and former state troofer attorneys provide a case-specific approach for your defense.
In Chesterfield County, criminal cases are heard at the Chesterfield County General District Court located at 9500 Courthouse Road. You have the right to a jury trial for any offense carrying potential jail time.
Criminal Law in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This includes offenses from assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to theft and drug crimes. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing an advantage in complex financial cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Chesterfield County General District Court website — official .gov court information.
Chesterfield County Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC.
- Initial Appearance and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Formally hear charges and enter a plea at Chesterfield County General District Court.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Trial or Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement for a better outcome.
- Appeal or Expungement: Appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a jury trial, or file for expungement if charges are dismissed.
Virginia Criminal Penalties
In Chesterfield County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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, employment issues |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 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.
Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
In Chesterfield County, we have 5 documented criminal defense results: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 2 charges reduced or amended.
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, and 2 charges reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these documented cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
We are a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park.
We serve the communities of 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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Chesterfield County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.