Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Dinwiddie County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony can result in 1-10 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Dinwiddie County prosecutes these cases at the Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute.
- Dinwiddie County General District Court website — court information and procedures.
How Dinwiddie County Criminal Cases Work
Your case starts with an arrest or summons. You will have an arraignment at Dinwiddie County General District Court. Misdemeanor trials happen there. Felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing in GDC before moving to Dinwiddie County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Arraignment: You hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets conditions for release.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the evidence against you.
- Pre-trial Motions: We file motions to challenge evidence or procedures.
- Trial or Negotiation: We either go to trial or negotiate a favorable resolution.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, we argue for minimal penalties or file an appeal.
Dinwiddie County Criminal Penalties
In Dinwiddie County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time. A Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months jail; a Class 5 felony means 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, significant restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Additional DMV points, possible jail |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Dinwiddie County Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. In Dinwiddie County, we have a documented 100% favorable outcome rate for criminal cases. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who knows police investigation tactics inside and out.
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
Dinwiddie County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in Dinwiddie County: 2 cases were dismissed or found not guilty, and 2 charges were reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Dinwiddie County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Dinwiddie County courts, accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Dinwiddie, McKenney, and the surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings 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 Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Dinwiddie County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor means up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault, petit larceny, and driving on a suspended license. Cases are heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Yes, 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 Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through a deferred disposition program.
How does bail work in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (a bail bondsman charges about 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to the Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Dinwiddie County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. Having an attorney who knows the local court is critical. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Dinwiddie County?
Dinwiddie County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Dinwiddie 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 potential jail time.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-wide hub.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Dinwiddie County DUI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Our Richmond Location
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.