Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Chesterfield County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials held in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Chesterfield County court information, visit 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. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arraignment: You appear in Chesterfield County General District Court, enter a plea, and the judge sets a trial date or considers bond.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney obtains police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal, or prepares for a bench trial in GDC.
- Jury Trial (if applicable): For any charge carrying jail time, you can demand a jury trial, moving the case to Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: After a verdict, the judge imposes sentence. You can appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Chesterfield County Criminal Penalties
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry significant 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 (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible; permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution; affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; loss of civil rights |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program may apply |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have a documented record in Chesterfield County: 5 case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate for those matters. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who understands police investigation tactics from the inside. We provide case-specific defense strategies for Chesterfield County General District Court and Circuit Court.
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
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 are 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.
Documented 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. We handle cases from arraignment through trial in Chesterfield County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
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 represent 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.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Colonial Heights criminal defense lawyer. In Chesterfield County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving defense. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.