Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years. 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 attorneys understand local court procedures at Chesterfield County General District Court.
Criminal Defense Statutes in Chesterfield County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Chesterfield County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and drug possession. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes these cases at Chesterfield County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, with felony trials moving to Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Chesterfield County Criminal Court Procedures
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court at 9500 Courthouse Road serves the entire county. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible charges.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond conditions. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: At Chesterfield County General District Court, you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and Motion Filing: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felonies require preliminary hearings before Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals go to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for new trial.
Chesterfield County Criminal Penalties
In Chesterfield County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, and felonies 1-10 years incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, no trespass orders |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Substance abuse assessment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Criminal Defense Experience in Chesterfield 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 with specific knowledge of Chesterfield County courts. We have achieved 5 documented results in Chesterfield County criminal cases with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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
Chesterfield County Criminal Case Results
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. These results demonstrate our effective representation in Chesterfield County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We represent clients throughout Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. Accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Chesterfield County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Primary attorney for Chesterfield County
- Richmond Office Location — Serving Chesterfield County
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.