Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Dinwiddie County, 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 4 documented results in Dinwiddie County: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a defense perspective few firms can match.
Virginia Criminal Law in Dinwiddie County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Dinwiddie County General District Court handles initial proceedings for all criminal cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Dinwiddie County General District Court website.
Dinwiddie County Court Process
Your case begins at Dinwiddie County General District Court for arraignment and misdemeanor trials. Felony cases start with a preliminary hearing there before moving to Dinwiddie County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Appear at Dinwiddie County General District Court for arraignment. You will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Review discovery and evidence: The Commonwealth’s Attorney provides discovery. Your attorney reviews police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence.
- File pre-trial motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or request a bill of particulars based on procedural issues.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor: Your attorney discusses potential plea agreements, charge reductions, or diversion programs with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Prepare for trial: If no agreement is reached, prepare for a bench trial in General District Court or request a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Attend sentencing or appeal: After a verdict, the court imposes sentence. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Dinwiddie County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Dinwiddie County
In Dinwiddie County, criminal penalties follow Virginia sentencing guidelines, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, and felonies carrying 1-10 years or more.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built from both sides.
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
Case Results in Dinwiddie County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in Dinwiddie County: 2 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 2 cases reduced or amended to lesser charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Dinwiddie County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Dinwiddie County courts (Dinwiddie Courthouse), accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Dinwiddie County for residents of Dinwiddie and McKenney.
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 Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County General District Court (Dinwiddie Courthouse, Dinwiddie, VA 23841). 4 documented results: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 4 documented results: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Dinwiddie County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Dinwiddie County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court (Dinwiddie Courthouse, Dinwiddie, VA 23841). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 4 documented results: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 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 Dinwiddie County?
Dinwiddie County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Dinwiddie 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. Dinwiddie County General District Court (Dinwiddie Courthouse, Dinwiddie, VA 23841) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Dinwiddie County, we handle related matters like DUI defense and family law.
Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
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.