Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Henrico County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our Richmond location provides full representation for assault, theft, drug, and DUI cases heard at Henrico County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, like 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. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory knowledge in Henrico County cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico 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.
- Henrico County General District Court website — .gov domain for court procedures.
Henrico County Court Process for Criminal Cases
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes.
- Arraignment: You appear at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road) to hear charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond—personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the case.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The court determines if enough evidence exists for a felony to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial in GDC (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony), or a plea agreement is reached.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Henrico County Criminal Penalties
In Henrico County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time: a Class 1 misdemeanor brings up to 12 months jail; a Class 5 felony brings 1-10 years.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; employment issues |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Court discretion | None | Felony record; loss of rights |
| First Offense Marijuana Possession | Misdemeanor | Possible 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program eligible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, evidence, and legal representation.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
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+ firm-wide case results. In Henrico County, our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides insight into police procedures and investigations.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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.
Henrico County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road), accessible via I-64, I-95, and Route 250. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County General District Court and serve Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page.
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Hanover County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Henrico County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — former Virginia State Trooper.
- Richmond Office Location — serving Henrico County.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.