Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Lexington, Virginia, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented results in Lexington. Our firm provides full representation for assault, theft, drug possession, and other criminal charges heard at Lexington General District Court. Contact our Richmond location by appointment for a case review.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted under Virginia state law and heard at the Lexington General District Court or Lexington Circuit Court. The statutory framework defines offenses and penalties.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s background provides insight into case construction from both sides.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process
The criminal process in Lexington begins with an arrest or summons. Misdemeanor cases are tried in Lexington General District Court, while felonies start with a preliminary hearing there before potentially moving to Lexington Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance: Appear at Lexington General District Court for arraignment, where charges are formally read and you enter a plea.
- Review Discovery: Your attorney obtains and reviews all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, including police reports and witness statements.
- File Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal grounds.
- Negotiate or Prepare for Trial: Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a favorable plea agreement or prepares for a bench trial in GDC.
- Trial or Sentencing: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial. If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal charges carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 typically | 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 | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm maintains a documented record of case outcomes. Our approach is case-specific, drawing on former prosecutorial insight.
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 Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include matters resolved through dismissal, reduction of charges, or favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, we represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
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 Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington 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 Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, 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 Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington 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 Lexington, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington 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. Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information on criminal defense throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Lexington, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.