Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Chesterfield County
Criminal offenses in Chesterfield County are defined by the Virginia Code, primarily Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes these cases, which are heard at the Chesterfield County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, or the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court information, including forms and procedures, is available from the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process
The criminal process in Chesterfield County begins with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. Your case will then proceed to the Chesterfield County General District Court for arraignment and, if necessary, a bench trial. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held in GDC before the case is certified to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Chesterfield County Jail or via video. The magistrate will set bond conditions.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Attend your arraignment at 9500 Courthouse Road. Enter a plea and receive a trial date.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney requests evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement. Request a jury trial in Circuit Court if desired.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and Class 5 felonies carrying 1-10 years.
| 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, theft conviction record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug conviction, mandatory minimums possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the discretion of the judge.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense cases in Chesterfield County. We understand the local procedures at the Chesterfield County General District Court and have a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
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 Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented criminal defense results in Chesterfield County: 3 cases resulted in dismissal or not guilty verdicts, and 2 cases resulted in charge reductions or amendments, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We provide criminal defense representation to residents of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield 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 heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County 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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (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 Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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. Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you are facing charges in a neighboring jurisdiction, our attorneys also serve Henrico County and Colonial Heights. For other legal needs in Chesterfield County, consider DUI defense or family law services. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.