In Roanoke County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 3 documented results in Roanoke County, including 1 dismissal. A Health Care Fraud lawyer Roanoke County can help you understand your options.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Roanoke County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law is codified under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A criminal offense in Roanoke County is classified as either a misdemeanor or felony. 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 1 (life in prison) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Roanoke County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Roanoke County General District Court, located at 305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings over 25 years of criminal defense experience to your case.
For the official text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court procedures and forms, visit the Roanoke County General District Court website.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment at Roanoke County GDC where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase — your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Trial before a judge (GDC) or jury (Circuit Court on appeal).
- Sentencing or appeal to Roanoke County Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Roanoke County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time. Below are common classifications.
| 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 | 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 |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
In Roanoke County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 3 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (33% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Roanoke County courts (305 East Main Street), accessible via I-81, I-581, Route 11, Route 419, and Route 220.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Salem or Vinton? We serve Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Q: What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Roanoke County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Roanoke 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 Roanoke County General District Court (305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153). 3 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (33% favorable outcome rate).
Q: Can criminal charges be expunged in Roanoke County, 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 Roanoke County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 3 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (33% favorable outcome rate).
Q: How does bail work in Roanoke County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Roanoke County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Roanoke 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).
Q: Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Roanoke County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Roanoke County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Roanoke County General District Court (305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 3 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (33% favorable outcome rate). Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
Q: What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Roanoke County?
Roanoke County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Roanoke 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. Roanoke County General District Court (305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153) is the GDC location.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Internal Links:
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer (Hub page)
- Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer (Nearby locality)
- Roanoke County DUI Lawyer (Related PA)
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile
- Shenandoah Office Location