Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In King William County, criminal cases begin at the King William County General District Court located at 351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases ranging from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny ($1,000+ threshold).
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For court information, see 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. King William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible offenses.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common. For felonies, secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman.
- Arraignment at King William County General District Court: Appear at 351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201. Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence with your attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Circuit Court. Negotiate plea deals with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For GDC convictions, you can appeal to King William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
King William County Criminal Penalties
In King William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| 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 |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program eligible |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
King William County 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 specific knowledge of King William County courts. Our attorneys include 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
King William County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County: 2 cases reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for our local cases. These results demonstrate our understanding of King William County General District Court procedures and negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
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 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 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.
Related Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | King William 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.