Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are divided into four classes, with Class 1 being the most serious (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment or death). The Virginia criminal code defines specific elements for each offense that prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For court information, see the Prince George County General District Court website.
Prince George County Court Procedures
Prince George County General District Court at 6601 Courts Drive handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince George County prosecutes cases in this jurisdiction. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 offer dismissal upon successful completion for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: After arrest, you appear before a magistrate who sets bond conditions. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment and plea entry: At Prince George County General District Court, you formally hear charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and motion filing: Your attorney requests evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal GDC decisions to Prince George County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Prince George County
In Prince George County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years of incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors bringing up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines.
| 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, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Driving Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense cases in Prince George County. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to every case.
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 result in Prince George County criminal cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
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), accessible via I-295, Route 10, Route 36, and Route 156. We represent clients throughout Prince George and the Hopewell area. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for phone consultations — meetings 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 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
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Prince George County, we handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background or visit our Richmond office page.
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.