In Chesterfield County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
Virginia Criminal Law: Statutory Framework in Chesterfield County
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law is codified under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Chesterfield County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal offenses. Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) or Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand knowledge of prosecutorial strategy to every defense.
Official Legal Resources for Chesterfield County Criminal Cases
Two essential government resources for your case: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly and Chesterfield County General District Court — official court website.
Insider Knowledge: How Chesterfield County General District Court Works
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at 9500 Courthouse Road. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for qualifying charges.
- Arrest and initial appearance before magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment in General District Court within 72 hours of arrest.
- Discovery phase: prosecutor must disclose evidence within 14 days.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in General District Court or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days if convicted in GDC.
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to state prison time depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Chesterfield County Criminal Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to shape Virginia law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include: PROFAN LANG OVER PUBLIC AIRWAY — Not Guilty (Chesterfield County GDC); PURCHASE/POSSESS ALCOHOL — Dismissed (Chesterfield General District Court).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. Search for a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield County or near Chesterfield Towne Center. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Chesterfield County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. 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?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 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?
Yes. Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
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 Legal Services in Chesterfield County
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide Hub
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesterfield County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
- Bryan Block — Former VA State Trooper
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.