In Chesterfield County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. An Arson Lawyer Chesterfield County can help you build a strong defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to every defense strategy.
For the official Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes these cases. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal.
- Arrest and magistrate sets bond — personal recognizance common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Initial appearance at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Discovery phase — your attorney reviews evidence and files pretrial motions.
- Plea negotiations or trial — misdemeanor trial typically within 4-8 weeks from arraignment.
- If convicted, appeal to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a jury trial de novo.
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential restraining order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring a case-specific approach to every criminal defense matter in Chesterfield County.
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
In Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Looking for a arson charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County near you? We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
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What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). 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 Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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.
Learn more about Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer services. For neighboring localities, see Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer. For related services in Chesterfield County, see DUI/DWI Lawyer Chesterfield County and Divorce/Family Law Lawyer Chesterfield County.
View our attorney profile and Richmond office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.