Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted under the Virginia Code and heard at the Lexington General District Court or Lexington Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Rockbridge County handles prosecution for offenses occurring within the city limits.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia statute database.
- Lexington General District Court Website — Court information, forms, and contact details.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Rockbridge Regional Jail or Lexington General District Court for bond determination.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: Attend your arraignment at Lexington General District Court to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and reviews discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or negotiate a plea agreement for reduced charges.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, attend sentencing. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if your case moves to Lexington Circuit Court for jury trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and Class 5 felonies carrying 1-10 years.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Impoundment of vehicle |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Lexington Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to your Lexington criminal case. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Lexington team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police procedures and evidence challenges.
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, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these local cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts, accessible via I-64 and I-81. We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University.
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 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 heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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 Lexington, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 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. Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Serving nearby jurisdiction.
- Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area in Lexington.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Learn more about your Lexington attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from Virginia General Assembly statutes and Lexington court records. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.