Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Classes 1-4) and felonies (Classes 1-6). In King William County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases. The General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while the Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals.
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia criminal statutes
- King William County General District Court website — court information and procedures
King William County Court Process
King William County General District Court at 351 Courthouse Lane handles initial appearances, arraignments, and misdemeanor trials. Felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing in GDC before moving to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at King William County General District Court.
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Review evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or accept a negotiated plea agreement.
- Appeal to Circuit Court: Exercise your right to a jury trial by appealing a GDC conviction to King William County Circuit Court.
King William County Criminal Penalties
In King William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| 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 (§ 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 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
King William County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block with 15 years of law enforcement experience and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher. We combine over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of King William County court procedures.
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
King William County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). These results include assault, theft, and drug possession cases resolved at King William County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near King William County
Our Richmond location serves clients at King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). We represent clients throughout King William, West Point, and Aylett, accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33.
Criminal defense lawyer near King William County 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 King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William 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 King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William 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 King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William 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 King William County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in King William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 2 documented results: 2 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 King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William 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. King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- King William County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block profile — primary attorney
- Richmond office location — serving King William County
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.