Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This includes offenses from assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to drug possession and theft. Chesterfield County General District Court at 9500 Courthouse Road handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes these cases.
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. For court information, see the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County 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. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest or summons: You receive a warrant or summons to appear in court.
- Initial appearance/arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence and files legal motions.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Your case proceeds to trial or reaches a negotiated resolution.
- Sentencing or dismissal: The court imposes a sentence or dismisses the charge.
- Appeal (if applicable): You may appeal a conviction to Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Criminal Defense 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+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built and challenged.
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 Chesterfield County
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. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Each case outcome depends on specific facts and evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield County and the Chesterfield Towne Center area.
We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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.
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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesterfield 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. 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Colonial Heights criminal defense lawyer. In Chesterfield County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.