Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
In Lexington, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented results in Lexington. A Money Laundering lawyer Lexington can help you understand your options.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A criminal charge in Lexington means the Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The specific statute for your charge determines the classification and potential penalties. A Money Laundering lawyer Lexington from our firm understands these statutes. A financial crime defense lawyer Lexington can explain how these laws apply to your case.
For money laundering charges, Virginia law incorporates federal money laundering statutes under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and § 1957, which prohibit financial transactions involving criminal proceeds. A money laundering charge lawyer Lexington must understand both state and federal definitions.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information: Lexington General District Court (official Virginia Courts website).
- Arrest or summons issued by Lexington magistrate.
- Initial appearance at Lexington General District Court, 2 South Main Street.
- Bond hearing before magistrate or judge.
- Discovery phase — review evidence with your attorney.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial or plea hearing before the court.
In Lexington, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Class 1 | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Class 2 | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Class 5 Felony | Class 5 | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | License revocation | Felony record |
| Class 6 Felony | Class 6 | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | License revocation | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee 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 legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who bring insider knowledge to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia.
Our team also includes Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, and Matthew Greene, who has over 30 years of experience including death penalty certification and a 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). The court is accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. We serve the Lexington community including Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University areas.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington? We serve all surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
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?
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 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. 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?
Yes. 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. 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 pages: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield Criminal Defense Lawyer | Lexington DUI Lawyer | Lexington Family Law Lawyer
Attorney profile: Bryan Block | Location: Richmond Office
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.