Robbery Lawyer Chesterfield County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A robbery charge in Chesterfield County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-58, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Our robbery lawyer Chesterfield County team provides 24/7 consultations.
Virginia Robbery Law & Penalties
Robbery in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-58 as the taking of personal property from another person or in their presence, against their will, by violence or intimidation. It is a felony, distinct from larceny due to the element of force or fear. An armed robbery defense lawyer Chesterfield County handles cases where a firearm or other weapon is used, which carries even more severe penalties under § 18.2-58.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-58 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Chesterfield County General District Court website
Chesterfield County Court Process for Robbery Charges
In Chesterfield County, a robbery charge begins with an arrest and an initial appearance before a magistrate at the Chesterfield County Jail. The case is then heard in Chesterfield County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. If bound over, the felony trial proceeds in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office for Chesterfield County handle these cases aggressively.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Secured bond is typical for robbery.
- Preliminary Hearing: In General District Court, the Commonwealth must show probable cause that a robbery occurred.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or may be resolved through a negotiated plea to a lesser offense.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia’s felony sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Robbery in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, robbery is a felony punishable by 5 years to life imprisonment, with armed robbery carrying a mandatory minimum sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery (Va. Code § 18.2-58) | Felony | 5 years – life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment. |
| Robbery with a firearm (§ 18.2-58) | Felony (armed) | 5-year mandatory minimum – life | Up to $100,000 | Same as above, plus mandatory active sentence. |
| Attempted Robbery | Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | Same felony consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Chesterfield County Robbery Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Chesterfield County specifically, we have 5 documented criminal case results. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of local court procedures and prosecutorial strategies.
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 Chesterfield County
Our firm has achieved documented results in Chesterfield County courts. For example, we have secured “Not Guilty” verdicts for charges like “Profane Language Over Public Airway” and dismissals for charges such as “Purchase/Possess Alcohol.” While every case is unique, these outcomes demonstrate our active litigation in the jurisdiction. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, works collaboratively to analyze every detail of a robbery charge.
Robbery Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 10. We provide legal representation to residents of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
FAQs: Robbery Charges in Chesterfield County
What is the difference between robbery and armed robbery in Virginia?
Robbery involves taking property by violence or intimidation. Armed robbery specifically involves using a firearm or other weapon, which triggers a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years under Va. Code § 18.2-58.
Can a robbery charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. While robbery itself is a felony, a skilled robbery charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County may negotiate a plea to a lesser offense like petit larceny (a misdemeanor) or assault, depending on the evidence, the defendant’s background, and the specifics of the case.
What are common defenses to a robbery charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal, claim of right to the property, absence of violence or intimidation, and challenging the legality of the police investigation (e.g., unlawful search). An armed robbery defense lawyer Chesterfield County will also challenge weapon identification.
How long does a robbery case take in Chesterfield County?
A felony robbery case typically takes 3 to 9 months from arrest to resolution in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. The preliminary hearing in General District Court usually occurs within 21-60 days of arrest.
Do I need a lawyer for a robbery charge?
Yes. Facing a felony robbery charge without an experienced robbery lawyer Chesterfield County is extremely risky due to the potential for a multi-year prison sentence and permanent felony record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will be represented; you should be too.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County
- DUI Lawyer in Chesterfield County
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.