Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Prince George County, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Prince George County General District Court located at 6601 Courts Drive.
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince George County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with specific penalties defined in the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carries a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases with a case-specific approach based on detailed knowledge of Virginia law.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For Prince George County court information, including forms and procedures, visit the Prince George County General District Court website.
Prince George County Court Process
The criminal process in Prince George County begins with an arrest and bond setting by a magistrate. Your first court appearance will be at the Prince George County General District Court for arraignment. For misdemeanors, your trial will be held in this court. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Prince George County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Appear at 6601 Courts Drive to enter a plea. Misdemeanor trials are scheduled here.
- Preliminary hearing for felonies: This hearing determines if probable cause exists to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court proceedings: Felony jury trials and appeals from GDC are handled at Prince George County Circuit Court.
- Explore first offender programs: First-time offenders may qualify for programs that result in dismissal.
- Consider expungement if eligible: File an expungement petition in Circuit Court if your case ends in acquittal or dismissal.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Prince George County
In Prince George County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and Class 5 felonies by 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 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 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 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of civil rights |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimum for distribution near schools |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Our Experience in Virginia Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Prince George County, we use our experience with local procedures at the Prince George County General District Court to build strong defenses. Our approach is guided by former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are investigated and presented in court.
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 Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Prince George County. Our attorneys work to achieve outcomes such as charge reductions, dismissals, or favorable plea agreements based on the details of each case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince George County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive). We are accessible via I-295, Route 10, Route 36, and Route 156. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Prince George, the Hopewell area, and surrounding communities. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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 Prince George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince George 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 Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince George 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 Prince George County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Prince George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince George County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince George County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Prince George County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince George County?
Prince George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Prince George County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or our Richmond location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.