Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Dinwiddie County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault or petit larceny under $1,000, can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. More serious charges are felonies, with Class 5 felonies carrying 1-10 years in prison. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, focuses on the specific procedures of the Dinwiddie County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court-specific information, including forms and procedures, visit the Dinwiddie County General District Court website.
Local Court Process in Dinwiddie County
Your case will begin at the Dinwiddie County General District Court for misdemeanor trials or felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials move to Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any charge with potential jail time.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea at Dinwiddie County General District Court.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney obtains evidence and can file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The prosecution must show probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Trial: Misdemeanor trials are in General District Court. Felony jury trials are in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC verdict to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Dinwiddie County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, increased insurance |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the facts of your case, your record, and legal strategy.
Bond is set by a magistrate after arrest. For many first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance (no payment) is common. For felonies, a secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman (charging ~10%). Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies, based on income eligibility.
Why Choose Our Dinwiddie County Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. In Dinwiddie County, we have a documented record of results. Our approach is case-specific, drawing on firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors build cases from both sides of the courtroom.
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
Case Results in Dinwiddie County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in Dinwiddie County: 2 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 2 charges reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Service for Dinwiddie County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Dinwiddie County courts (Dinwiddie Courthouse), accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Dinwiddie, McKenney, and the surrounding communities.
We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Dinwiddie 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 are heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Dinwiddie County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Dinwiddie County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent record. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Dinwiddie County?
Dinwiddie County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Dinwiddie 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 Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with a related matter in Dinwiddie County, consider our DUI defense lawyer or family law attorney. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or our Richmond location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.