Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted at the Chesterfield County General District Court, located at 9500 Courthouse Road.
Virginia Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Virginia’s criminal code, primarily under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defines offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime punishable by up to 12 months in jail, while a felony can result in prison time of one year or more. The specific elements of each crime—such as intent for assault under § 18.2-57 or value for theft under § 18.2-95—must be proven by the Commonwealth beyond a reasonable doubt.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. This background provides direct insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For local court procedures and forms, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process
Your case will begin at the Chesterfield County General District Court for misdemeanor trials or felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 9500 Courthouse Road. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office handle all cases.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in GDC to hear formal charges and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney obtains evidence from the prosecution and files motions.
- Resolution: Most cases resolve via plea agreement. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any jail-eligible charge.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in GDC, you can appeal for a new trial in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense. Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, the firm has a documented record of results. Our approach uses this experience to handle the details of your Chesterfield County case.
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
Documented 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, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. As a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park, we represent individuals in 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, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you are facing other charges, explore our pages for DUI defense in Chesterfield County or family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.