Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Lexington, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at the Lexington General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, while felony trials proceed to Lexington Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense in the Lexington area.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law 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. The court at 2 South Main Street serves Lexington and operates Monday through Friday. For felonies, the case moves to Lexington Circuit Court after the preliminary hearing establishes probable cause.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. The magistrate will set bond conditions.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: Attend your arraignment at Lexington General District Court. You will hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney requests all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence if needed.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or negotiate a plea agreement. For felonies, the preliminary hearing determines probable cause.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal a GDC conviction to Lexington Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine, while felonies range from 1-10 years for Class 5 to 1-5 years for Class 6.
| 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Lexington Criminal Defense?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, we bring substantial resources to criminal defense in Lexington. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to each Lexington case.
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 Lexington
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 defense matters handled locally.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. We represent clients throughout Lexington and surrounding communities including areas near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University.
Criminal defense lawyer near Lexington. 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 Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile — primary attorney
- Richmond Office Location — serving Lexington
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.