Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Class 1 misdemeanors, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and $1,000. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years, or up to 12 months plus $2,500 at jury discretion). The grand larceny threshold is $1,000+.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute
- Lexington General District Court website — court information and procedures
Lexington Court Process
Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond through a bail bondsman (approximately 10% fee) is typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Lexington General District Court: Appear at 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Request a court-appointed attorney if eligible ($120-$445+ fee).
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence with your attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in Lexington General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Lexington Circuit Court. Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For acquittals or dismissals, file an expungement petition in Lexington Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 to clear your record.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years of incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines.
| 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, no contact |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, prior record, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in criminal matters handled at Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, we serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities. Contact us 24/7 for phone consultations at (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 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
- Lexington Family Law Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.