Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?

Lexington criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented results in Lexington. A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Lexington can help you understand your options. Contact us 24/7.

Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law

Virginia classifies criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes all criminal cases in the city. A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Lexington can provide guidance on federal charges as well.

Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)

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Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Lexington Courts

Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 2 South Main Street.

Prosecutors in Lexington routinely offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.

Step 1: Initial Appearance — You appear before a magistrate who sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Step 2: Arraignment — You enter a plea at Lexington General District Court. The court schedules your trial within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanors.
Step 3: Discovery — Your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence, including police reports and witness statements.
Step 4: Pre-Trial Motions — Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural violations.
Step 5: Trial or Plea — You either proceed to trial before a judge or negotiate a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Step 6: Sentencing — If convicted, the judge imposes sentence. You have the right to appeal to Lexington Circuit Court within 10 days.

Penalty Ranges for Criminal Charges in Lexington

In Lexington, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties from Class 4 misdemeanor (up to 30 days) to Class 5 felony (1-10 years).

Offense	Classification	Incarceration	Fine	License Impact	Additional Consequences
Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57)	Class 1 Misdemeanor	Up to 12 months	Up to $2,500	None	Criminal record, potential protective order
Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96)	Class 1 Misdemeanor	Up to 12 months	Up to $2,500	None	Criminal record, restitution
Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301)	Class 1 Misdemeanor	Up to 12 months	Up to $2,500	License suspension extended	Vehicle impoundment possible
Disorderly Conduct (§ 18.2-415)	Class 1 Misdemeanor	Up to 12 months	Up to $2,500	None	Criminal record

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Lexington Criminal Defense?

Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”

Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating our firm’s deep involvement in Virginia law. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases.

Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). Bar admissions: Virginia. Mr. Block brings unique insight from his law enforcement background to every criminal defense case in Lexington.

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

Lexington Criminal Defense Case Results

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Lexington General District Court.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Our Lexington Criminal Defense Services

Our Richmond Location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. We serve the entire Lexington community, including Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University areas.

Looking for a “criminal defense lawyer near Lexington” or “near Virginia Military Institute”? We are here to help.

24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.

7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States

Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009

By appointment only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Lexington

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?

Yes. 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?

Yes. 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.

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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.