Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code Title 18.2). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in this locality.
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies but still carry jail time. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes all criminal cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing an advantage in complex financial cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Henrico County Court Process
Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate who sets bond conditions. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment at Henrico County GDC: Formal charges are read. You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court schedules future hearings.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. The Commonwealth’s Attorney provides discovery (evidence).
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Most cases resolve through plea agreements. If no agreement is reached, a bench trial occurs in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Henrico County
In Henrico County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for repeat offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our founder is a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across thousands of cases. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
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.
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, resulting in 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 Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, I-295, Route 250 (Broad Street), Route 1, and Route 33. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Short Pump Town Center and Innsbrook Corporate Center.
We serve the Henrico County area and surrounding communities including Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
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.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Parent hub page
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Hanover County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Henrico County DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Richmond Office Location Page
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.