Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Hanover County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach to your defense.
Virginia Criminal Law in Hanover County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. For misdemeanors, your trial will be at Hanover County General District Court. For felonies, a preliminary hearing occurs there first, then the case moves to Hanover County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a magistrate who sets bond conditions.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Hanover County General District Court.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court, or you accept a plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal: You can appeal a GDC conviction to Hanover County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Hanover County
In Hanover County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Disorderly Conduct (§ 18.2-415) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Community service possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Our Experience in Hanover County Criminal Defense
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 full representation in criminal matters. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct legal experience.
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 Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Hanover County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts. We represent people in Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. 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 Hanover County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Hanover 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). Cases are heard at Hanover County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Hanover County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Hanover County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Hanover 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 Hanover County?
Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover 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 like Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. In Hanover County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.