Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Chesterfield County criminal charges are serious matters prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2; a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys understand local court procedures at Chesterfield County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Crimes are classified as felonies or misdemeanors based on severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes all criminal cases in the county.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court information, forms, and procedures for Chesterfield County are available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Criminal Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from General District Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate at the Chesterfield County jail sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Your first court date at 9500 Courthouse Road. You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court before a judge. Felony preliminary hearings also happen here.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal to 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 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 typically | 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 jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Chesterfield County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense cases. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision. Our Chesterfield County criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement insight to building your defense strategy.
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 Criminal Defense 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 matters. These results were achieved at Chesterfield County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We represent clients throughout Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. 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 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 Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Our state hub page with full criminal defense information.
Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Serving neighboring Henrico County residents.
Chesterfield County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Defense for driving under the influence charges.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Learn more about your Chesterfield County criminal defense 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 legal guidance.