Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Lexington criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide a case-specific approach for your defense at Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) and Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000). Felonies include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at the Lexington General District Court located at 2 South Main Street.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute
- Lexington General District Court website — court information and procedures
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Lexington General District Court.
- Discovery and motion filing: Request evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress or dismiss based on procedural issues.
- Preliminary hearing (felonies): For felony charges, a judge determines if probable cause exists to bind the case over to Lexington Circuit Court.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court, or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence. Appeal GDC decisions to Lexington Circuit Court within 10 days.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry defined penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Lexington Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police procedures and investigation standards. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 Defense 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 for criminal matters. 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, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities, accessible via I-81 and I-64.
Criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and Washington and Lee University.
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 Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block profile — attorney information
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.