Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia criminal law defines offenses in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, with penalties ranging from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail) to Class 5 felonies (1-10 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation in Chesterfield County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Chesterfield County court information, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Criminal Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court at 9500 Courthouse Road handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest
- Arraignment at Chesterfield County General District Court to formally hear charges
- Discovery phase where your attorney requests all evidence from prosecutors
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if appropriate
- Trial preparation while exploring plea negotiations or deferred dispositions
- Bench trial in General District Court or jury trial request for Circuit Court
Chesterfield County Criminal Penalties
In Chesterfield County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration — a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Chesterfield County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense cases. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. 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
Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented criminal defense results in Chesterfield County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 2 cases reduced or amended to lesser charges — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We represent clients throughout Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Colonial Heights criminal defense. In Chesterfield County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving cases.
Learn more about attorney 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 current guidance.