Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Class 1-4) and felonies (Class 1-6). In King William County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases at the King William County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, with felony trials moving to King William County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures and forms are available from the King William County General District Court website.
King William County Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. The magistrate sets bond at the initial appearance. Arraignment at King William County General District Court follows, where you enter a plea.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at King William County General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court will schedule a trial date if you plead not guilty.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence provided by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if appropriate.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor for reduced charges.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately. You have 10 days to appeal to King William County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in King William County
In King William County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years; Class 6 felony 1-5 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 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 |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| 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) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for King William County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense in King William County. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police procedures and investigation standards. We focus on case-specific defense strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all 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 King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). These results reflect our commitment to thorough case preparation and strategic negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near King William County
Our Richmond location serves clients at King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). We represent residents of King William, West Point, and Aylett. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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 King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William 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 King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William 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 King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William 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 King William County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in King William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 2 documented results: 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 King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William 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. King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In King William County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.