Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as 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 in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense in these matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court information, including forms and procedures for King William County, is available at the King William County General District Court website.
King William County Court Process
King William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King William County prosecutes cases. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in King William County Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Your first court date is an arraignment at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201).
- For misdemeanors, a trial may be scheduled within 4-8 weeks. For felonies, a preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days.
- If the case proceeds to Circuit Court for a felony jury trial, the timeline extends to 3-9 months.
- Explore defense strategies, including challenging evidence, negotiating reductions, or pursuing first offender programs.
- If convicted, discuss appeal options or expungement eligibility for dismissals or acquittals under § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in King William County
In King William County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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 under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Disorderly Conduct | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Community service possible |
| 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, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Impoundment possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, prior record, and defense strategy.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman (charging ~10%), is common for felonies. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies, based on income eligibility.
Our Experience in King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. We have a documented record of handling criminal cases in King William County. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of your situation and the procedures of the local court.
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 King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County, with both cases resulting in reduced or amended charges—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 King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). We are accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. As a criminal defense lawyer near King William County, we serve the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at King William County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William 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 King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through a deferred disposition program.
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to King William County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King William County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. Having a lawyer can help protect your rights and explore options like charge reductions.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King William County?
King William County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
Related Legal Services
For more information on criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you are facing charges in a nearby jurisdiction, our attorneys also serve Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in King William County, we handle DUI/DWI cases and 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.