Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Class 1-4) and felonies (Class 1-6). In King William County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases at the King William County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials moving to King William County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law 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. Court procedures and forms are available at the King William County General District Court website.
King William County Criminal Court Process
King William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King William County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible first-time offenses.
- Arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Appear at King William County General District Court to enter a plea and request discovery.
- Discovery review: Analyze police reports, witness statements, and evidence for constitutional violations.
- Negotiation: Discuss reductions or dismissals with the Commonwealth’s Attorney based on evidence weaknesses.
- Trial preparation: For misdemeanors, trial is in GDC. For felonies, preliminary hearing in GDC then jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Post-trial: Appeal GDC convictions to King William County Circuit Court. File expungement for acquittals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
King William County Criminal Penalties
In King William County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties shown are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Filing fees: Court-appointed attorney fee $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony). Bond: Personal recognizance for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges ~10%).
King William County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In King William County, we have 2 documented criminal defense results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
King William County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). These results involve negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for King William County at the King William County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near King William County
Our Richmond Location serves clients at King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). We represent clients throughout King William, West Point, and Aylett. Accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. Criminal defense lawyer near King William County Courthouse.
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 King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William 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 King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William 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 King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William 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 King William County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in King William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 2 documented results: 2 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 King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William 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. King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086) is the GDC location.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In King William County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving cases. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.