Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Lexington, Virginia, criminal charges like assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) are Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented results in Lexington. Our firm provides full representation for misdemeanors and felonies heard at Lexington General District Court and Circuit Court. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Criminal defense in Lexington involves handling the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street, where prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office present cases.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Lexington, the Lexington General District Court handles initial appearances, misdemeanor trials, and felony preliminary hearings. More serious felony cases proceed to the Lexington Circuit Court for jury trials. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses this detailed knowledge of Virginia law to build case-specific defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia Legislative Information System. For court-specific information, visit the Lexington General District Court website for hours, forms, and contact details.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
The criminal process in Lexington starts at the Rockbridge Regional Jail or the Lexington General District Court. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office for Lexington handle all local cases. Understanding the distinct roles of the General District Court and the Circuit Court is important for your defense strategy.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Rockbridge Regional Jail or Lexington General District Court for bond determination.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: Attend your arraignment at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street) to hear formal charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and reviews all discovery provided by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor, potentially involving first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in GDC, you may be sentenced immediately or appeal to Lexington Circuit Court for a new trial before a jury.
Penalties for Crimes in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties based on their classification under Virginia law, with jail time and fines varying significantly.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Jail time mandatory for subsequent offense |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Grand Larceny) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums set by Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
Our Experience in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases in Lexington. Our approach is guided by the principle of global advocacy with local precision. We have a documented record of 14 case results in Lexington across all practice areas.
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 for Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia. These results reflect our work in the local courts. Every case is different, and we focus on the details of your specific situation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts. We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities. For a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington General District Court, contact us 24/7.
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 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.
More Legal Information
For more on Virginia criminal defense, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are in Lexington and need help with a different legal issue, see our pages for DUI defense or family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.