Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Henrico County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court information, forms, and procedures for Henrico County are available at the Henrico County General District Court website.
Henrico County Court Process
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes all criminal cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal upon successful completion. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Request personal recognizance for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Henrico County General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all rights and request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Review discovery and file pre-trial motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Negotiate with prosecutors or prepare for trial: Pursue plea negotiations for reduced charges or prepare for bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Trial or sentencing hearing: Present defense evidence and arguments. If convicted, argue for minimum sentence or alternative dispositions.
- Post-trial options and appeals: File appeal to Henrico County Circuit Court within 10 days of GDC conviction. Explore expungement options for dismissals.
Criminal Penalties in Henrico County
In Henrico County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine, while felonies can result in years of imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, firearm restrictions |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment consequences |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug education program |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
Results may vary. The penalties listed represent maximum statutory limits; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, prior record, and court discretion.
Experience in Henrico County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense cases in Henrico County. We maintain a 100% favorable outcome rate in Henrico County with 8 documented results. Our approach combines former prosecutorial insight with aggressive defense strategies case-specific to Henrico County courts.
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 Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for our Henrico County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We represent residents throughout Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. Accessible via I-64, I-95, I-295, Route 250 (Broad Street), Route 1, and Route 33.
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 Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 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 Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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. Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) is the GDC location.
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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.