Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince George County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) and Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine). Felonies include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). The Prince George County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Refer to these .gov sources for Virginia criminal law:
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Prince George County General District Court website — court information and procedures.
Prince George County Criminal Court Process
The Prince George County General District Court at 6601 Courts Drive handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Appear at Prince George County General District Court, enter a not guilty plea, and request discovery.
- Review discovery: The Commonwealth’s Attorney provides evidence. File suppression motions if needed.
- Negotiate with prosecutor: Discuss reduction or dismissal based on evidence or first offender eligibility.
- Trial preparation: Prepare for bench trial in GDC or request jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Post-trial: Appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court. Explore expungement for dismissals or acquittals.
Prince George County Criminal Penalties
In Prince George County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification.
| 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 | Criminal record |
| 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 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Criminal Defense Experience in Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases.
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 Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Prince George County. Our firm-wide track record across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC includes 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince George County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive). The office is accessible via I-295, Route 10, and Route 36. We serve Prince George and the Hopewell area.
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 Prince George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince George 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 Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince George 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 Prince George County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Prince George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince George County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince George County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Prince George County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince George County?
Prince George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George 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
Explore our other legal services in Prince George County:
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-wide hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Prince George County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — learn more about your attorney.
- Richmond Office Location — our serving location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.