Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The grand larceny threshold in Virginia is $1,000 or more.
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)
- Henrico County General District Court website
Henrico County Court Process
Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes cases. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate who sets bond conditions. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment at Henrico County GDC: Formal charges are read. You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court schedules future hearings.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney requests evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports a Circuit Court trial.
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) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
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+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline is “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, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location is accessible from the Henrico County courts via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve as a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County and the surrounding communities of 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)
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer (Sibling Locality)
- Henrico County DUI/DWI Lawyer (Related Practice Area)
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.