Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Chesterfield County criminal charges are serious matters prosecuted at Chesterfield County General District Court under Virginia criminal statutes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout the county with 24/7 availability.
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation in Chesterfield County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Procedures
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9500 Courthouse Road. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can result in dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment in General District Court to enter a plea and set trial dates.
- Discovery review and pretrial motions to challenge evidence or procedural errors.
- Bench trial in General District Court or plea negotiation with prosecutors.
- If convicted, appeal to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for jury trial within 21 days.
Criminal Penalties in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law, 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 | Protective orders, no-contact orders |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment consequences |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. 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 Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location is approximately 15 miles from Chesterfield County General District Court, accessible via I-95 and Route 1. We serve as a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield County for clients in 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).
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 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.
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 Services
For Virginia criminal defense overview, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. For representation in nearby areas, consider Henrico County criminal defense lawyer or Colonial Heights criminal defense lawyer. In Chesterfield County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters.
Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
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.