Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince George County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) and Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine). Felonies include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). The Virginia General Assembly defines these penalties in Va. Code Title 18.2.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court information, see the Prince George County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Prince George County Criminal Court Process
Prince George County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from General District Court.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Appear at 6601 Courts Drive to enter a plea. Misdemeanor trials are scheduled 4-8 weeks later.
- Preliminary hearing for felonies: Occurs within 21-60 days to determine probable cause for Circuit Court trial.
- Discovery and motion practice: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea resolution: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony jury trials occur in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or expungement: If acquitted or dismissed, file for expungement in Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Prince George County Criminal Penalties
In Prince George County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for repeat offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond through a bail bondsman (charging approximately 10%) is typical for felonies.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Prince George County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Prince George County. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built from the inside.
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
Case Results in Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Prince George County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince George County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive). We are accessible via I-295, Route 10, Route 36, and Route 156.
Criminal defense lawyer near Prince George County and the Hopewell area.
We serve Prince George and the Hopewell area.
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 Prince George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince George 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 Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince George 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 Prince George County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Prince George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince George County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince George County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Prince George County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875). 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 Prince George County?
Prince George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George 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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Our state hub page.
Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Serving nearby localities.
Prince George County DUI/DWI Lawyer and Prince George County Family Law Lawyer — Other practice areas we handle.
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.