Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Chesterfield County criminal charges are serious, with a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys understand the local court system at 9500 Courthouse Road.
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County 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 Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Chesterfield County General District Court website — official .gov court information.
Chesterfield County Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
Steps in a Chesterfield County Criminal Case
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- General District Court Arraignment: You appear at 9500 Courthouse Road to hear the formal charge and enter a plea.
- Misdemeanor Trial or Felony Hearing: Misdemeanors are tried in General District Court. Felonies have a preliminary hearing there to determine probable cause.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: If a felony is certified, the case moves to Circuit Court for indictment, arraignment, and potential jury trial.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Expungement may be available for acquittals or dismissals under § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while 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 | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-5 years (Class 6) or 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts and court discretion.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, providing direct insight into prosecution strategies and police procedures relevant to Chesterfield County cases.
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
Documented 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, and 2 charges reduced or amended—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We are 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 (Va. Code Title 18.2). A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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. 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?
Yes. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesterfield County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 (GDC) 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 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 updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.