Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Henrico County criminal charges are prosecuted under Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code Title 18.2; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County. Our Richmond location provides full representation for assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI cases heard at Henrico County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-95), carries 1 to 10 years in prison. The Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the Virginia Crimes and Offenses statutes (Va. Code Title 18.2) and the Henrico County General District Court website for procedures and forms.
Henrico County Court Process
Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC. You 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 typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Henrico County General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all rights and request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Review discovery and file pre-trial motions: Challenge evidence, suppress statements, or request dismissal based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor or prepare for trial: Pursue dismissal, reduction, or alternative disposition. If no agreement, prepare for bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Trial or disposition hearing: Present defense, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for acquittal or favorable outcome.
- Post-trial options: Appeal to Henrico County Circuit Court if convicted, or file for expungement if case is dismissed or results in acquittal.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Henrico County
In Henrico 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 (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, permanent record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Impoundment, mandatory minimum fine |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Restitution, felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Experience in Henrico 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 attorney experience. Our Richmond location serves Henrico County and understands local court procedures.
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 Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location is accessible from Henrico County courts via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve clients in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 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 Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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. Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
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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.