Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Lexington, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies carrying years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases at Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia’s criminal code (Title 18.2) defines offenses prosecuted in Lexington. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries 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 (§ 18.2-95), carries 1 to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation in these matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures and forms in Lexington, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes cases.
- Arraignment: You appear in Lexington General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: If incarcerated, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions to suppress, and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Disposition: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any jail-eligible offense.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in General District Court, you can appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
- Expungement: If charges are dismissed or you are acquitted, you may petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Common Lexington Criminal Charges
In Lexington, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to over a decade in prison, depending on the offense classification and circumstances.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| Disorderly Conduct (§ 18.2-415) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Community service possible |
| Grand Larceny (≥$1,000) (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years* | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months+ | Substance abuse assessment |
*Grand larceny penalty depends on value and prior record. Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, prior record, and court discretion.
Lexington Criminal Defense Experience
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 case results across our service areas. Our Lexington defense team includes Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into police procedures and evidence challenges.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in matters heard at Lexington General District Court and Lexington Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities, including those near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University.
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license. Cases are heard at Lexington General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and cases where the prosecutor drops charges (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 a deferred disposition program.
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. A secured bond (a bail bondsman charges about 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to Lexington General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 (GDC) 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 potential jail time.
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 jurisdictions like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with related matters in Lexington, consider our DUI/DWI defense or family law services. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background.
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.