Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Henrico County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases, which begin at the Henrico County General District Court for arraignment and misdemeanor trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). The Henrico County General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
Henrico County Court Process
Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 4301 East Parham Road. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes cases, and first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available for eligible defendants.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Appear at Henrico County General District Court, enter a not guilty plea, and request discovery.
- Review discovery: Analyze police reports, witness statements, and evidence for constitutional violations.
- Negotiate with prosecutor: Discuss reduction or dismissal based on evidence weaknesses or first offender programs.
- Prepare for trial: For misdemeanors, prepare for bench trial in GDC. For felonies, the preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports Circuit Court trial.
- Post-trial options: Appeal GDC decisions to Henrico County Circuit Court or file for expungement after acquittal.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Henrico County
In Henrico County, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500.
| 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 | Criminal record affects employment |
| 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) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Drug Possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program available |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, we provide full representation in Henrico County criminal matters. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal 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
Case Results in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road), accessible via I-64, I-95, and Route 250. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Henrico County and the surrounding communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
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 Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 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 Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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. Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County DUI Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.