Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
King William County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented results in King William County. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys understand local court procedures at King William County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison. The specific statute defines each crime and its punishment.
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Refer to these .gov sources for official information:
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – official Virginia statute.
- King William County General District Court website – court procedures and contact.
King William County Court Process
King William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King William County prosecutes cases. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in King William 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 Negotiation: Most cases resolve before trial. If not, a judge or jury decides the outcome.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties within statutory limits.
- Appeal or Expungement: You can appeal to King William County Circuit Court. Expungement may be available for dismissals.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in King William County
In King William County, criminal charges carry a range of penalties from fines to years in prison, depending on the offense classification and circumstances.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, evidence, and legal representation.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
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
Documented Case Results in King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County: 2 cases reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). We are a criminal defense lawyer near King William County for residents of King William, West Point, and Aylett. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at King William County General District Court.
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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King William County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in King William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months 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 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In King William 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.