Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are divided into four classes, with Class 1 being the most serious. Felonies range from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 6 (least serious). The Virginia General Assembly defines all criminal offenses and penalties in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Lexington Criminal Court Process
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes criminal cases.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Lexington General District Court.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and file pre-trial motions.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to trial before a judge or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor.
- Sentencing or appeal: Receive sentence if convicted or file appeal to Lexington Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Penalties
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry specific penalties based on their classification under Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Lexington Criminal Defense Experience
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Lexington criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement experience to your defense strategy.
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
Lexington Criminal 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 results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent clients throughout Lexington and surrounding communities. Accessible via I-81 and I-64.
Criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and Washington and Lee University.
Serving Lexington and surrounding neighborhoods.
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 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?
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?
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.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.