Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Crimes are classified as misdemeanors (punishable by up to 12 months in jail) or felonies (punishable by one year or more in prison). The Commonwealth of Virginia prosecutes all criminal offenses through local Commonwealth’s Attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s combined legal experience exceeds 120 years, providing a strong foundation for handling complex criminal matters in Chesterfield County.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and local rules for Chesterfield County are available through the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Procedures
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9500 Courthouse Road. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can result in dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond conditions at the Chesterfield County Jail or courthouse.
- Arraignment: At your first court date, you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest before a judge.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss based on procedural issues.
- Resolution: Most cases resolve through plea agreements negotiated with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Sentencing: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Appeal: You may appeal a GDC conviction to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days for DUI-related suspension |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program may apply |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Why Choose Our Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Chesterfield County. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to every Chesterfield County case.
In Chesterfield County, our attorneys have documented 5 criminal defense results with a 100% favorable outcome rate (3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended). This local success builds on our firm-wide experience handling complex criminal matters across Virginia.
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
Chesterfield County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented criminal defense results in Chesterfield County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 2 charges reduced or amended — representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these local matters.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Chesterfield Towne Center, Pocahontas State Park, and throughout the Chesterfield County courthouse complex.
We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only at our Richmond location.
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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 5 documented results: 3 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 Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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. Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information on criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions including Henrico County criminal defense and Colonial Heights criminal defense.
If you’re facing related charges in Chesterfield County, consider our Chesterfield County DUI/DWI lawyer or Chesterfield County reckless driving lawyer services. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.