Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince George County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Felonies include grand larceny ($1,000+ threshold) and more serious violent crimes. The Prince George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Prince George County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court information, visit the Prince George County General District Court website.
Prince George County Criminal Court Process
Prince George County General District Court at 6601 Courts Drive processes all misdemeanor cases. Felony preliminary hearings also occur there before moving to Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince George County prosecutes cases.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman) is typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Prince George County General District Court: Appear at 6601 Courts Drive. Enter a plea. Request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence. The Commonwealth’s Attorney provides discovery. Negotiate for reduced charges.
- Trial or plea agreement: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For acquittals or dismissals, file expungement petition in Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Prince George County Criminal Penalties
In Prince George County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors at up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, and felonies from 1-10 years incarceration.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for repeat offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Prince George County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police procedures and investigation standards. We focus on case-specific defense strategies for Prince George County cases.
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
Prince George County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Prince George County. Our attorneys work to achieve dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable outcomes through careful case analysis and negotiation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince George County, Virginia
Our Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225 serves clients at the Prince George County courts. We are approximately 30 minutes from the Prince George County General District Court at 6601 Courts Drive, accessible via I-295 and Route 10. We serve the Prince George and Hopewell area communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
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 Prince George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince George 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 Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince George 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 Prince George County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Prince George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince George County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince George County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Prince George County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince George County?
Prince George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Prince George County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond office page.
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.