Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
In Henrico County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach for charges heard at Henrico County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for charges like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). Felony jury trials are held in Henrico County Circuit Court.
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 General Assembly statute.
- Henrico County General District Court website — Virginia court system .gov domain.
Henrico County Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. For misdemeanors, your trial will be in Henrico County General District Court. For felonies, a preliminary hearing is held in GDC before potential transfer to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Initial Arrest and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Henrico County General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all rights and request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiations: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Negotiate with prosecutors for dismissal or reduction.
- Trial or Disposition: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or demand jury trial in Henrico County Circuit Court for any jail-eligible offense.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Henrico County
In Henrico County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| 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 | Criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time likely for repeat 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; actual outcomes depend on case facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline: “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 Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road), accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County General District Court and the Short Pump area.
We serve the Henrico County area and surrounding communities including Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
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 — parent hub page.
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Hanover County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Henrico County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — primary attorney.
- Richmond Office Location — SRIS location page.
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.