Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Chesterfield County criminal charges are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2; a Class 1 misdemeanor carries 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/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach to your defense.
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level under Va. Code § 18.2-11, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. A Class 5 felony carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases in Chesterfield County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Chesterfield County General District Court website — court information and procedures.
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 the General District Court.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond conditions at the Chesterfield County Jail or courthouse.
- Arraignment: You appear at Chesterfield County General District Court to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Resolution: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court; felony trials move to Circuit Court for a jury.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, criminal history, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
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+ documented case results firm-wide 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.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 10. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park. We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities. 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.
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).
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.
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
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.