In Hanover County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months jail for misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result with 1 dismissed/not guilty in Hanover County General District Court. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense.
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 carry potential state prison sentences. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes all criminal cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official statute governing criminal offenses in Virginia, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Hanover County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Hanover County Court
Hanover County 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 7507 Library Drive. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction routinely seek jail time for repeat offenders.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond.
- Arraignment in General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge (misdemeanor) or preliminary hearing (felony).
- Sentencing or appeal to Circuit Court if convicted.
In Hanover County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to state prison, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge. The firm’s motto: “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
Case Results in Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 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 Hanover County Criminal Defense Services
Our Richmond location is accessible from Hanover County courts via I-95 and I-295. We serve Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Hanover County? We are near the Hanover Courthouse historic district.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Hanover County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Hanover County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2: 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.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover 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 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. 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?
Yes. Criminal charges in Hanover County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. See also our Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Hanover County, see our DUI Lawyer in Hanover County page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.