Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince George County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor, like simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, such as grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries 1 to 10 years in prison. The Prince George County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia Legislative Information System
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures, visit the Prince George County General District Court website.
Prince George County Court Process
Prince George County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Prince George County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arraignment: You appear in Prince George County General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The court determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony trials are before a jury in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Prince George County Criminal Penalties
In Prince George County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and Class 5 felonies by 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for repeat offenses |
| First Offense Marijuana Possession | Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | May qualify for first offender dismissal |
*A jury can reduce a Class 5 or 6 felony to a misdemeanor, imposing up to 12 months in jail. Results may vary.
Experience in Prince George County Courts
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 a documented record of case results. Our attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into traffic and criminal investigations in the Prince George area.
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 Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Prince George County. Our approach focuses on case-specific defense strategies case-specific to the local court procedures.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince George County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive), accessible via I-295 and Route 10. We provide representation for the Prince George and Hopewell area communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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 Prince George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince George County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code Title 18.2). A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Cases are heard at Prince George County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince George 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 Prince George County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Prince George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince George County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince George County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Prince George County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal 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 Prince George County?
Prince George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George 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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Prince George County, we handle related matters including DUI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond location page.
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.