Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Dinwiddie County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). A Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison. Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, handles these cases in Dinwiddie County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court procedures and information, visit the Dinwiddie County General District Court website.
How Criminal Cases Proceed in Dinwiddie County
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings start at Dinwiddie County General District Court. Felony jury trials and appeals happen at Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Dinwiddie County prosecutes cases.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in Dinwiddie County General District Court, enter a plea, and receive a trial date.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or, for felonies, a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal or Expungement: You can appeal to Circuit Court or, if eligible, petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Dinwiddie County
In Dinwiddie County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, mandatory fine |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman, is used for felonies. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445 or more for felonies, based on income eligibility.
Our Experience in Dinwiddie County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We focus on case-specific defense strategies for clients in Dinwiddie County. Our approach is based on direct experience with local court procedures.
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 charges reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Dinwiddie County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Dinwiddie County courts. We represent individuals in Dinwiddie and McKenney. Our location is accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery and petit larceny under $1,000. Cases are heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Dinwiddie County, 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 Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through a deferred disposition program.
How does bail work in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Dinwiddie County General District Court. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445 or more for felonies.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Dinwiddie County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.