Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia Legislative Information System. For court-specific procedures and forms, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process and Defense Strategy
Your case will begin at the Lexington General District Court located at 2 South Main Street. This court handles all misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings for felonies. Felony jury trials and appeals from the General District Court are heard at the Lexington Circuit Court.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Rockbridge Regional Jail or Lexington General District Court for bond determination.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Lexington General District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Review the Commonwealth’s evidence through discovery.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. For misdemeanors, you can appeal to Lexington Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Common Lexington Criminal Charges
In Lexington, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 (< $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| 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 subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the effectiveness of your legal representation.
Why Choose Our Lexington Criminal Defense Team
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 every case. We have a documented record of 14 case results in Lexington across all practice areas. Our approach combines former prosecutorial insight with a former Virginia State Trooper’s understanding of police procedure.
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, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate in our local record. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts handled at the Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts. We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities. Our criminal defense lawyer near Lexington is accessible via I-81 and I-64.
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. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
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 (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 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. Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information on criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Lexington, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about your attorney, Bryan Block, or our Richmond office location.
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.