Obstruction Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
An obstruction of justice charge in Chesterfield County is a serious criminal offense under Virginia law, carrying potential jail time and a permanent record. As an obstruction defense lawyer Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients at the Chesterfield County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Obstruction of Justice Law
Obstruction of justice in Virginia is broadly defined under Va. Code § 18.2-460. The statute makes it unlawful to knowingly obstruct a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other person in the performance of their duties. This can include actions like providing false identification, fleeing from an officer, physically interfering with an arrest, or refusing to comply with lawful commands. The charge is often paired with other offenses like resisting arrest. The severity of the charge depends on whether the obstruction involved force or threat of force.
- Initial Consultation: Contact our firm 24/7 after an arrest or receiving a summons. We will review the details of your encounter with law enforcement.
- Case Analysis: We obtain all police reports, body camera footage, and witness statements to build your defense strategy.
- Pre-Trial Motions: We may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if the officer lacked probable cause or violated your rights.
- Negotiation or Trial: We negotiate with the Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal. If a fair offer isn’t reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial in General District or Circuit Court.
Penalties for Obstruction in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, obstruction of justice is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the obstruction involved force or threat of force, it can be elevated to a Class 5 felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice (Misdemeanor) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, difficulty finding employment, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
| Obstruction with Force (Felony) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Felony record, loss of civil rights (voting, firearms), severe immigration consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Chesterfield County, we have a documented history of achieving positive results for clients facing criminal charges. Our deep familiarity with the procedures at the Chesterfield County General District Court and the tendencies of local prosecutors allows us to build effective, case-specific defenses.
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 & Client Advocacy
Our approach focuses on meticulous case analysis and aggressive advocacy. For example, our team has successfully defended clients against charges like “Profane Language Over Public Airway” and “Purchase/Possess Alcohol,” securing dismissals or not guilty verdicts in Chesterfield County General District Court. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His experience amending Virginia law, including Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrates a deep understanding of how to handle and influence legal outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesterfield County Obstruction Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout Chesterfield County, including Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 360. If you need an obstruction of justice defense lawyer Chesterfield County or a resisting arrest defense lawyer Chesterfield County, we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Obstruction of Justice Defense in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for obstruction of justice in Virginia?
It depends. Simple obstruction is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If force or threat of force is used, it becomes a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1-10 years in prison.
Can obstruction charges be dropped in Chesterfield County?
Yes. An experienced obstruction defense lawyer Chesterfield County can often get charges reduced or dismissed by challenging the legality of the police interaction, the evidence, or negotiating a favorable pre-trial agreement, such as completing an anger management course.
What’s the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest?
Resisting arrest is a specific type of obstruction that occurs when a person prevents a law enforcement officer from effecting a lawful arrest. Both are serious, but resisting arrest often involves physical action. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Chesterfield County will examine whether the arrest itself was lawful as a primary defense strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. A skilled obstruction defense lawyer Chesterfield County can protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
Where are obstruction cases heard in Chesterfield County?
Misdemeanor obstruction cases are tried at the Chesterfield County General District Court. If the charge is a felony, the case begins with a preliminary hearing in General District Court before potentially moving to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you are facing related charges, explore our pages on DUI defense and reckless driving in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.