Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Lexington, Virginia, 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 14 documented case results in Lexington. Our firm provides full criminal defense representation for charges heard at Lexington General District Court. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Criminal Charges in Lexington, Virginia
Virginia law categorizes criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies but still carry potential jail time. Common charges in Lexington include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (theft under $1,000 under § 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). These cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Lexington General District Court located at 2 South Main Street.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court-specific information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process
The criminal process in Lexington begins with an arrest or summons. Your first court date is an arraignment at Lexington General District Court.
- Arraignment: You will appear before a judge, hear the formal charges, and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will discuss the case with the prosecutor, seeking a reduction, dismissal, or favorable plea agreement.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Lexington Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include jail, fines, probation, or a first-offender program.
- Appeal/Expungement: You may appeal a conviction or, for a dismissal or acquittal, petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for certain suspensions |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and your defense.
Our Firm’s Background
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on providing strong defense representation with a case-specific approach.
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 Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia. Our favorable outcome rate in Lexington is 100%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, serving the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington 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 are heard at Lexington General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, 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 Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Lexington, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.