Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years imprisonment (Va. Code § 18.2-10). Hanover County prosecutes cases through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the Virginia criminal statutes (Va. Code Title 18.2) from the Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures, visit the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Court Procedures
Hanover County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes cases at 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Hanover County General District Court: Formal reading of charges and plea entry at 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review prosecution evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss based on procedural or constitutional grounds.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; felony preliminary hearings in GDC with jury trials in Hanover County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals from GDC go to Hanover County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Hanover County
In Hanover County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| 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 |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment issues |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine 120+ years of legal experience with documented case results. We provide full representation in Hanover County courts with a case-specific approach.
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 Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Our attorneys handle cases at Hanover County General District Court and Hanover County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. Criminal defense lawyer near Hanover County and Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
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 Hanover County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Hanover 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 Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Hanover County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Hanover County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover 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 Hanover County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Hanover County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (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 Hanover County?
Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover 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. Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069) is the GDC location.
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Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.