Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Criminal charges in Virginia are defined by statutes in the Virginia Code. In Chesterfield County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and adjudicated in the local court system. The severity of the offense determines whether it is heard in General District Court (misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings) or Circuit Court (felony trials).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. This background provides direct insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific procedures and forms, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process
The criminal process in Chesterfield County follows specific local procedures. Misdemeanors are handled entirely in the General District Court, while felonies begin with a preliminary hearing there before potentially moving to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Chesterfield County General District Court.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Review all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Appeal or Expungement: If convicted in GDC, you can appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court. If acquitted or charges are dropped, file for expungement under § 19.2-392.2.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Chesterfield 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 | 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 | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| 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 |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Bond is set by a magistrate after arrest. For many first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance (no payment) is common. For felonies, a secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman, who charges approximately 10% of the bond amount.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, our firm has a documented record of handling criminal matters in Chesterfield County. Our approach is informed by direct knowledge of local prosecution strategies and court procedures.
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 Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented criminal defense results in Chesterfield County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 2 charges reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts on Courthouse Road. We represent individuals throughout the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley communities.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings at our Richmond location are 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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 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 Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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. Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you are facing other charges in Chesterfield County, our firm handles DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from court records and statutes as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.