Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
In Henrico County, 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 8 documented results in Henrico County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide a strong defense at Henrico County General District Court.
Virginia law defines crimes in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor level, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies are classified from Class 1 (most severe) to Class 6, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to one year. The specific elements of each crime—what the prosecution must prove—are detailed in the statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official legal resources: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Henrico County General District Court website.
Your case begins at Henrico County General District Court for misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings. Felony trials move to Henrico County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any jail-eligible offense.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. You can request a bond appeal hearing at Henrico County General District Court.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. This is your first court date.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and reviews the prosecution’s evidence.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing occurs. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Henrico County Circuit Court for a new trial.
In Henrico County, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to years in prison for felonies, as defined by Va. Code Title 18.2.
| 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 (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide 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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). As a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County, we represent clients from Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial). 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (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 Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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. Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) is the GDC location.
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Chesterfield County and Hanover County. In Henrico County, we also handle DUI defense and reckless driving cases. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.