Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Hanover County criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code Title 18.2) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide full representation focused on dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
Virginia Criminal Law in Hanover County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. In Hanover County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at Hanover County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, while felony trials proceed to Hanover County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly statutes
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Court information is available at the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Court Process
Hanover County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate.
- Arraignment at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive).
- Discovery review and pre-trial motions filing.
- Misdemeanor trial in GDC or felony preliminary hearing.
- If bound over, felony jury trial in Hanover County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal to Circuit Court for new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Hanover County
In Hanover County, criminal offenses carry penalties from up to 12 months jail for Class 1 misdemeanors to 1-10 years for Class 5 felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2.
| 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, criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Experience in Hanover County Criminal Defense
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 and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Hanover County criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement insight to building strong defenses.
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
Hanover County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Hanover County: 1 case dismissed or not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Hanover County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
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 Hanover County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Hanover 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 Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Hanover County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Hanover County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover 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 Hanover County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Hanover County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (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 Hanover County?
Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover 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. Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Hanover County, we handle related matters like DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving cases. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background.
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.