Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Criminal Charges in Bedford County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Bedford County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Court procedures and forms are available from the Bedford County General District Court website.
Bedford County Court Process
Your case begins with an arraignment at Bedford County General District Court. The court schedules trials within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanors. Felony cases move to Circuit Court for jury trial after a preliminary hearing.
- Initial Appearance: Arraignment at Bedford County General District Court to enter plea.
- Discovery Review: Obtain police reports and evidence from Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Motion Filing: File pre-trial motions to challenge evidence or procedures.
- Negotiation: Discuss plea agreements or diversion programs with prosecutor.
- Trial Preparation: Prepare for bench trial (GDC) or jury trial (Circuit Court).
- Sentencing/Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; appeals go to Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Bedford County
In Bedford 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, firearm prohibition |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdenseanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| 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) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Experience in Bedford County Courts
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 bring deep knowledge of Virginia criminal law. Our tagline reflects our approach: 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
Case Results in Bedford County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in Bedford County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 other favorable outcome. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Bedford County courts (123 East Main Street). We are accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24. As a criminal defense lawyer near Bedford County, we represent clients throughout Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford 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 Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523). 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford 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 Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Bedford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford 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 Bedford County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Bedford County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (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 Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford 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. Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Bedford County DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.