Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia criminal law is defined by statutes in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. These laws classify offenses as felonies or misdemeanors, each with specific penalties. For example, assault and battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2-57), while grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more is a felony. The law also provides procedures for defense, including rights to a jury trial and appeal.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official legal resources: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes these cases.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common. For felonies, expect a secured bond requiring a bondsman.
- Arraignment at Chesterfield County General District Court: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. This is your first court date at 9500 Courthouse Road.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney reviews police reports and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports a trial in Circuit Court. Negotiations for reduced charges may occur.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in GDC, you can appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court. Sentencing follows Virginia’s statutory guidelines for fines and jail time.
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines for minor offenses to years in prison for felonies, with specific classifications under Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny (≥$1,000) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Possible first offender program |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case details.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense. Our global advocacy and local precision approach means we understand both broad legal principles and Chesterfield County court procedures.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented criminal defense results in Chesterfield County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 2 charges reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). As a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park, 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 (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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 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. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 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 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. Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) is the GDC location.
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. In Chesterfield County, we also handle DUI defense and reckless driving cases. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.