Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Lexington, Virginia, criminal charges like assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) are Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach for your defense at Lexington General District Court.
Facing criminal charges in Lexington means handling the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases, which can lead to permanent records affecting employment and housing.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes by severity in Title 18.2 of the state code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4. Felonies include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). The threshold for grand larceny (felony theft) is $1,000 or more. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases with direct legal experience.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, visit the Lexington General District Court website for hours, forms, and contact details.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for Lexington occur at the Lexington General District Court. The court serves the Twenty-fifth Judicial District. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Lexington Circuit Court for any charge carrying potential jail time.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24-48 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Lexington General District Court.
- Discovery and Motion Filing: Review all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Pre-Trial Conference and Negotiation: Discuss potential plea agreements with the prosecutor. Explore first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible charges.
- Trial or Disposition: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports sending the case to Circuit Court for jury trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors reaching up to 12 months jail.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case facts, criminal history, and court discretion.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Public defender eligibility is based on income; a court-appointed attorney fee ranges from $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Why Choose Our Lexington Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases in Lexington. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with direct insight into how cases are built and challenged. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
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 for these local matters. 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, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, serving the Lexington area and surrounding communities. 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 Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with a related matter in Lexington, consider our DUI defense lawyer or family law lawyer. Learn more about Bryan Block or visit our Richmond location page.
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.