Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Criminal Charges in Chesterfield County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Refer to the official state statutes and court resources for criminal law in Virginia:
Chesterfield County Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court.
- Your first court date is an arraignment where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- For misdemeanors, a trial date is set in General District Court before a judge.
- For felonies, a preliminary hearing is held in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- If the case proceeds to Circuit Court, you have an absolute right to a jury trial for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Sentencing occurs if a guilty plea or verdict is entered, following Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- For acquittals, dismissals, or nolle prosequi, you may petition for expungement in Chesterfield County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time common |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond is typical for felonies, where a bail bondsman charges approximately 10% of the bond amount.
Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into case construction and police procedures. We focus on full representation for clients in Chesterfield County.
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
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.
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. 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.
Case Results in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 2 charges reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park.
We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — 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.
Related Legal Services
Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page.
Nearby criminal defense: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Colonial Heights criminal defense lawyer.
Other practice areas in Chesterfield County: DUI/DWI lawyer in Chesterfield County and divorce and family law lawyer in Chesterfield County.
Attorney profile: Bryan Block, former Virginia State Trooper.
Location page: Our Richmond location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.