Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
A criminal charge in Henrico County requires immediate attention to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court, while felonies begin there for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this legal framework to build strong defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute.
- Henrico County General District Court website — court information and procedures.
Henrico County Court Process
Your case will start at Henrico County General District Court located at 4301 East Parham Road. For misdemeanors, this court handles the entire process from arraignment to trial. For felonies, a preliminary hearing here determines if there is enough evidence to send the case to Henrico County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in GDC to hear the formal charges and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney obtains evidence from the prosecutor and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: For misdemeanors, a bench trial occurs in GDC. For felonies, a preliminary hearing is held to decide if the case goes to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia guidelines. You can appeal a GDC decision to Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Henrico County
In Henrico County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our Experience in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into how cases are built and challenged. We focus on the details of Henrico County procedures to seek the best possible outcome for each client.
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 were dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge was reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Henrico County for communities including 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 — state-wide hub page.
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — serving a neighboring locality.
- Henrico County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area in the same locality.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — learn more about your assigned attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.