Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide a case-specific approach to defend you in Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with specific penalties defined in the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court, while felonies begin there for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington 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 and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process
Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC decisions.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or accept a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing or appeal: Receive sentence if convicted or appeal to Lexington Circuit Court for jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can result in years of incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft conviction record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Bond amount is set by magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman charging approximately 10%. Public defender eligibility is based on income, with court-appointed attorney fees ranging from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies.
Why Choose Our Lexington Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique qualifications to Lexington criminal cases. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. This background provides rare insight into police procedures and prosecution strategies.
Founded in 1997, our firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We maintain a small personal caseload to ensure deep involvement in every Lexington case we accept.
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 Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against charges including assault, theft, drug possession, and traffic offenses in Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Lexington and Surrounding Areas
Our Richmond location represents clients at Lexington courts. We serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
Criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, Virginia. Accessible via I-81 and I-64 corridors.
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 Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington 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 Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, 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 Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington 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 Services
For more information about criminal defense throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
We also serve nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
In Lexington, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters.
Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.