Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Lexington, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with years of incarceration; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide defense at Lexington General District Court.
Criminal defense in Lexington requires understanding local court procedures at the Lexington General District Court located at 2 South Main Street.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia criminal statutes define offenses and penalties in Lexington. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months. Felonies are classified from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases in Lexington courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Lexington court information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Criminal cases in Lexington begin at Lexington General District Court for misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings. Felony trials proceed to Lexington Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial Appearance: Arraignment at Lexington General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Discovery Review: Obtain police reports and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence if constitutional rights were violated.
- Plea Negotiations: Discuss reductions or alternative dispositions with the prosecutor.
- Trial Preparation: Prepare for bench trial in GDC or demand jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence; appeal to Circuit Court if necessary.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties from 6 months to 10 years incarceration depending on classification.
| 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 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Criminal Defense Experience in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Lexington, we have 14 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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 dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Lexington General District Court and Lexington Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
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.
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).
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 Virginia criminal defense overview, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby areas, consult our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer or Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. In Lexington, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background.
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.