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 across all practice areas. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach for charges heard at Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are less serious but still carry potential jail time, while felonies involve more severe penalties and long-term consequences.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s combined legal experience exceeds 120 years.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for Lexington occur at the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes these cases.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged 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 grounds.
- Negotiation: Your attorney will discuss potential plea agreements with the prosecutor to seek a reduced charge or penalty.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case will proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or be resolved through a plea agreement.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have an absolute right to appeal to Lexington Circuit Court for a new jury trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
| 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 typically | Permanent criminal record, possible protective order |
| 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 affecting employment |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Additional DMV points, mandatory minimum fine for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution, loss of certain civil rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and legal representation.
Our Experience in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has achieved 4,739+ favorable case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to handling Lexington cases with detailed knowledge of local court procedures.
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 matters. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in cases heard at Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and Washington and Lee University.
We serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Lexington, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.