Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Bedford County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Bedford County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a strong defense at Bedford County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Bedford County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious but still carry jail time. Felonies are more serious and can result in prison sentences. The specific statute defines each offense.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm uses this experience to build strong defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute.
- Bedford County General District Court website — court information and procedures.
Bedford County Court Process for Criminal Cases
The Bedford County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Bedford County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Bedford County General District Court: You appear before a judge, enter a plea, and receive a trial date.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress.
- Trial or plea resolution: Misdemeanor trials are heard in GDC. Felonies go to a preliminary hearing first.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Bedford County
In Bedford County, criminal charges carry a range of penalties from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Permanent felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law. Actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Our Experience in Bedford County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our approach is: global advocacy, local precision. We focus on the details of each Bedford County case.
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 Bedford County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in Bedford County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 other favorable outcome. This represents 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 Bedford County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Bedford County courts. The office is accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24.
We are a criminal defense lawyer near Bedford County, serving Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford 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 Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523). 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford 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 Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Bedford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford 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 Bedford County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Bedford County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (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 Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford 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. Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page.
- Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Bedford County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — attorney information.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.