Obstruction Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Obstruction of justice in Lexington is a serious offense under Virginia law, often charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. As an obstruction defense lawyer Lexington, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented case results in Lexington courts.
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, or physically interfering with an arrest. The charge is often paired with resisting arrest under the same statute. The severity of the charge depends on the specific actions and whether force was used against the officer.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the obstruction statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-460 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures for Lexington are handled at the Lexington General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Obstruction Charges
In Lexington, obstruction and resisting arrest cases begin at the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street. Prosecutors must prove you knowingly obstructed an officer. A common defense involves challenging whether the officer was lawfully engaged in official duties at the time. For an obstruction of justice defense lawyer Lexington, the key is often in the details of the police report and witness statements.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if the officer’s actions were unlawful.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will discuss the case with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, often seeking a reduction to a lesser non-obstruction offense or dismissal.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge in GDC.
- Appeal: You have an absolute right to appeal a guilty verdict from GDC to Lexington Circuit Court for a new jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction in Lexington
In Lexington, obstruction of justice is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Resisting arrest carries the same penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstructing Justice (No Force) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, possible probation |
| Resisting Arrest | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, heightened scrutiny in future police interactions |
| Obstructing with Force or Threat | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Felony record, loss of certain civil rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
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 includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that an obstruction charge can stem from a moment of confusion or fear during a police encounter. Our approach is to meticulously review the circumstances to protect your rights and future.
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
Documented Case Experience
Our attorneys have extensive experience defending against obstruction-related charges. For example, we have successfully argued for amendments and dismissals in cases where the initial police contact was questionable. In one case, a charge was amended from driving on a suspended license to a non-moving violation after challenging the legality of the stop. In another federal matter, our negotiation resulted in a minimal incarceration period and termination of probation for a client.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including experienced attorneys like Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland prosecutor, works collaboratively to assess every angle of your case.
Local Legal Support for Lexington Residents
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Lexington General District Court. We are your local obstruction defense lawyer near Lexington, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve the Lexington community, including areas near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
Available 24/7: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Address for Consultations: 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225. By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for obstruction of justice in Lexington, Virginia?
Obstruction of justice is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the obstruction involves force or a threat, it can be charged as a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison.
Can I be charged with both obstruction and resisting arrest?
Yes. Va. Code § 18.2-460 covers both offenses. Prosecutors often charge both if actions during an encounter included both hindering an investigation and physically resisting detention. An experienced obstruction of justice defense lawyer Lexington can often argue to have the charges combined or one dismissed.
What is a common defense against an obstruction charge?
A common defense is that the law enforcement officer was not engaged in the lawful performance of their duties. If the initial stop or arrest was without probable cause or violated your rights, any subsequent obstruction charge may be invalid. Your lawyer will scrutinize the police report for such weaknesses.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor obstruction charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Lexington can work to get the charge reduced or dismissed, potentially avoiding a conviction altogether.
What should I do if I am charged with obstruction?
Do not discuss the incident with anyone except your attorney. Contact a defense lawyer immediately. Gather any witness contact information and your own recollection of events. Your lawyer will obtain the police report and evidence to build your defense strategy.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges in Lexington, we can help with DUI/DWI or reckless driving matters.