Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Hanover County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Hanover County prosecutes these cases through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, with trials held at Hanover County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, while felony trials proceed to Hanover County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and forms are available through the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Court Procedures
Hanover County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes cases, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for qualified defendants.
- Appear at Hanover County General District Court for arraignment and enter a not guilty plea.
- Request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney to review all evidence against you.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Prepare for trial by reviewing evidence and developing a defense strategy with your attorney.
- Proceed to trial or negotiate a plea agreement that minimizes penalties.
Criminal Penalties in Hanover County
In Hanover County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies range from 1-10 years imprisonment depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with documented results in Hanover County. We provide full representation in criminal matters, drawing on our attorneys’ backgrounds as former prosecutors and law enforcement officers to develop effective defense strategies.
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, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this jurisdiction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts, accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Hanover County for residents of 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.
Related Legal Services
For Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Hanover County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.