Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are heard in Lexington General District Court, while felonies proceed to Lexington Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute.
- Lexington General District Court website — court information and procedures.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins at Lexington General District Court for misdemeanors or felony preliminary hearings. The court at 2 South Main Street serves the Lexington community.
- Initial Appearance: See a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination at the Rockbridge Regional Jail.
- Arraignment: Enter your plea at Lexington General District Court. The court will schedule a trial date if you plead not guilty.
- Discovery: Review all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence if police procedure errors exist.
- Trial or Plea: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports a Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Jail time, fines, and probation are possible outcomes.
- Appeal: You have the right to appeal a GDC decision to Lexington Circuit Court for a new trial before a jury.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal charges carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies from 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent theft record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution, probation |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
Case Results in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington and the surrounding communities of Rockbridge County.
We serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities including neighborhoods near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University.
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 Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington 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 Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, 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 Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington 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 Lexington, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington 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. Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — primary attorney.
- Richmond Office Location — serving Lexington.
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.