Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Chesterfield County criminal charges are serious matters prosecuted under Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code Title 18.2). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Spring break arrests for public intoxication, underage drinking, and possession often increase in March in Virginia.
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Chesterfield County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Chesterfield County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, and at Chesterfield County Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). Information about court procedures and locations is available on the Chesterfield County General District Court official website.
Chesterfield County Court Process
Your case will follow a specific path through the Chesterfield County court system. Misdemeanors are handled entirely in General District Court, while felonies begin there for a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Appear at Chesterfield County General District Court for arraignment. You will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Review discovery and evidence: Your attorney will obtain and review all police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- File pre-trial motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or request other relief based on legal grounds.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: Your attorney will negotiate with the Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney for potential plea agreements or dismissals.
- Prepare for trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in General District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: After a verdict, the judge imposes sentence. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law, ranging from fines to incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Disorderly Conduct (Va. Code § 18.2-415) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible probation |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession Schedule I/II (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum possible |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense cases in Chesterfield County. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 — 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, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We represent clients throughout 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 Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you need assistance with related matters in Chesterfield County, consider our DUI/DWI defense services or family law representation. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.