Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced criminal defense representation in Bedford County, Virginia. A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The firm has 4 documented results in Bedford County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys understand local court procedures.
Criminal Charges in Bedford County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) and Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine). Felonies include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). Common charges in Bedford County are assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301).
Last verified: March 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For court information, see the Bedford County General District Court website.
Bedford County Court Process
Bedford County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523 to hear charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea agreement: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Bedford County
In Bedford County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration. A Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for repeat offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with firsthand knowledge of police procedures.
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 cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Bedford County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Bedford County courts. The office is accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24.
We serve 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 Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Shenandoah County and Frederick County. In Bedford County, we handle related matters like DUI/DWI defense and family law.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Shenandoah/Woodstock location page.
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.