Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Dinwiddie County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Dinwiddie County. Our firm provides full representation for assault, theft, drug possession, and other charges heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court. Contact our Richmond location by appointment only.
Virginia Criminal Law in Dinwiddie County
Virginia classifies crimes as felonies or misdemeanors, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Dinwiddie County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases, which are heard at the Dinwiddie County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly statutes
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court-specific information, see the Dinwiddie County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Local Court Process in Dinwiddie County
Dinwiddie County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Dinwiddie County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the GDC.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the jail. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment at Dinwiddie County General District Court: You appear before a judge, hear the formal charges, and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and reviews the prosecution’s evidence.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or you may negotiate a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Dinwiddie County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Dinwiddie County
In Dinwiddie County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while 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 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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense in Dinwiddie County. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our practice.
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 Dinwiddie County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in Dinwiddie County: 2 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 2 charges reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Dinwiddie County courts (Dinwiddie Courthouse), accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Dinwiddie County for residents of Dinwiddie and McKenney.
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 Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County General District Court (Dinwiddie Courthouse, Dinwiddie, VA 23841). 4 documented results: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 4 documented results: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Dinwiddie County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Dinwiddie County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court (Dinwiddie Courthouse, Dinwiddie, VA 23841). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 4 documented results: 2 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 Dinwiddie County?
Dinwiddie County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Dinwiddie 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. Dinwiddie County General District Court (Dinwiddie Courthouse, Dinwiddie, VA 23841) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Dinwiddie County, we handle related matters including DUI defense and reckless driving. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.