Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. 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 prosecutes all criminal cases in Lexington.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia statute database
- Lexington General District Court website — Court information and procedures
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals.
- Initial Arrest and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Lexington General District Court: Appear at 2 South Main Street to enter a plea and request a trial date.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; felony preliminary hearings are in GDC with jury trials moving to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. GDC convictions can be appealed to Lexington Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can result in years of imprisonment.
| 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 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+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with firsthand knowledge of police procedures.
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 in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. Criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and Washington and Lee University. We serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Primary attorney
- Richmond Office Location — Serving Lexington
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.