Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Bedford County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, like simple assault (§ 18.2-57), carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, such as grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries 1-10 years in prison. The Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Bedford County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, and at the Bedford County Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Bedford County General District Court website — court information and procedures.
Bedford County Criminal Court Process
Your case begins with arrest and a bond hearing before a magistrate. For misdemeanors, your trial will be at Bedford County General District Court. For felonies, a preliminary hearing occurs there first, then the case moves to Bedford County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Formal reading of charges at Bedford County General District Court. You enter a plea.
- Discovery and motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions.
- Trial or negotiation: Bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court. Your attorney negotiates for the best outcome.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal to Circuit Court.
- Expungement: If charges are dismissed, you may petition for expungement in Circuit Court under § 19.2-392.2.
Bedford County Criminal Penalties
In Bedford County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time. A Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months jail; a Class 5 felony means 1-10 years.
| 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 (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny (≥$1,000) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Bedford County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We focus on a case-specific approach for each client in Bedford County. 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
Bedford County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Bedford County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 other favorable outcome. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Bedford County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Bedford County courts. We are accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford 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 Bedford County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford 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 Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Bedford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Bedford 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. A lawyer can protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford 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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page.
- Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Bedford County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — primary attorney.
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.