Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Dinwiddie County, criminal charges like assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57 are Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Dinwiddie County: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide a strong defense at Dinwiddie County General District Court.
You have the right to a jury trial in Dinwiddie County Circuit Court for any offense with potential jail time. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
Virginia Criminal Law in Dinwiddie County
Virginia classifies crimes into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries 1 to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory knowledge to build case-specific defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For court procedures and information, refer to the Dinwiddie County General District Court official website.
Local Court Process in Dinwiddie County
Your case begins at Dinwiddie County General District Court for misdemeanor trials or felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Dinwiddie County prosecutes all cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available and can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- 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 procedural errors.
- Negotiation: Your attorney will discuss potential resolutions with the prosecutor, which may include a plea agreement or diversion.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in General District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal: You have the right to appeal a General District Court decision to Dinwiddie County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Dinwiddie County
In Dinwiddie County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means 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 (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 | DMV points, increased insurance |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Bond is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges about 10%, is more likely for felonies.
Our Experience in Dinwiddie County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing a unique perspective on case construction and police procedures. We focus on a case-specific approach for each client in Dinwiddie County.
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 Dinwiddie County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Dinwiddie County: 2 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 2 cases with charges reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these clients.
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 (Dinwiddie Courthouse), accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Dinwiddie and McKenney.
We serve the Dinwiddie County area and surrounding communities including Dinwiddie and McKenney.
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 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: 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 Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Dinwiddie County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to 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 up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 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 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 jail time.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Dinwiddie County, 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.