Hanover County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months jail for Class 1 misdemeanors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
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 1 (life imprisonment) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Hanover County General District Court, located at 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Hanover County General District Court website for court procedures.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond conditions.
- Arraignment at Hanover County General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution must share evidence against you.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge (GDC) or jury (Circuit Court on appeal).
- Sentencing or post-trial motions if convicted.
In Hanover County, criminal penalties range from Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 6 felony (1-5 years imprisonment).
| 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 under $1,000 (§ 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 | Criminal record; possible vehicle impoundment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Hanover County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible from Hanover County via I-95 and I-295, serving Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. Criminal defense lawyer near Hanover County Courthouse.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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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), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069).
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 and heard at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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 pages: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Hanover County DUI Lawyer | Hanover County Family Law Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.