Trespass Defense Lawyer Chesterfield County — Can Your Charge Be Dismissed?
A trespassing charge in Chesterfield County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-119, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients at Chesterfield County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, criminal trespass is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-119. The law prohibits entering or remaining on the property of another, including lands, buildings, or vehicles, after having been forbidden to do so, either orally or in writing, by the owner, lessee, custodian, or other person lawfully in charge. The statute requires the prosecution to prove you had notice that your entry was forbidden. A trespass defense lawyer Chesterfield County examines whether this notice was legally sufficient and properly communicated.
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-119 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
- Secure representation immediately after receiving a summons or warrant.
- Your trespass defense lawyer Chesterfield County will obtain the police report and any witness statements.
- We will file pre-trial motions to challenge the sufficiency of the “forbidden” notice if applicable.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal, often to a non-criminal infraction.
- Prepare for trial at the Chesterfield County General District Court to assert your defense if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
In Chesterfield County, a trespassing conviction carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespassing (Va. Code § 18.2-119) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; possible impact on employment, housing, and professional licenses. |
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 attorney experience to criminal defense in Virginia. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris has personally amended Virginia law, demonstrating deep legal authority. We provide focused defense for trespassing and related charges in Chesterfield County.
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
Our trespass defense lawyer Chesterfield County team has secured favorable outcomes for clients facing misdemeanor charges. In one case, a charge of “Conceal/Prize Alter Merch<$200" in Fairfax County was amended to trespassing, resulting in a lesser penalty. In Chesterfield County, we have documented results achieving dismissals or not-guilty verdicts on various misdemeanor charges. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). As a trespassing charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County near Midlothian and Chester, we provide 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve the communities of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
FAQs: Trespassing Charges in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for trespassing in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Trespassing under Va. Code § 18.2-119 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The exact penalty depends on your criminal history and the case facts. A trespass defense lawyer Chesterfield County can work to reduce or avoid these penalties.
Can a trespassing charge be dismissed in Chesterfield County?
Yes. Dismissal is possible if the prosecution cannot prove you had proper notice you were forbidden from the property or lacked the intent to trespass. An experienced criminal trespass dismissed lawyer Chesterfield County can identify weaknesses in the case to seek a nolle prosequi or not-guilty verdict.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time trespassing charge?
Yes. Even a first-time misdemeanor creates a permanent public record that can affect jobs and housing. Prosecutors in Chesterfield County General District Court will not automatically drop charges. Having a trespass defense lawyer Chesterfield County protects your rights and improves the chance of a favorable outcome.
What is the difference between trespassing and burglary?
It depends on intent. Trespassing is entering or remaining on property without permission. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) involves entering a building at night with intent to commit a felony. Burglary is a felony. A trespassing charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County can prevent a misdemeanor from being elevated to a more serious charge.
How long does a trespassing case take in Chesterfield County?
A misdemeanor trial in Chesterfield County General District Court typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from arraignment. Complex cases or those appealed to Circuit Court take longer. Your trespass defense lawyer Chesterfield County can provide a timeline after reviewing your specific case details.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you are facing other charges, explore our services as a DUI lawyer in Chesterfield County or a reckless driving lawyer in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance regarding your trespassing charge.