Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail) to felonies (1-10 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Richmond location serves Lexington clients facing assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI charges at Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment. Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute
- Lexington General District Court website — court information and procedures
Lexington Criminal Court Process
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes cases.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common. For felonies, secured bond is typical.
- Arraignment at Lexington General District Court: Appear at 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence with your attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Lexington Circuit Court. Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. If acquitted or dismissed, file for expungement in Lexington Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Lexington Criminal Penalties
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| 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 | 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 (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
| Grand larceny $1,000+ | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Lexington Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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
Lexington Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). 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 — state hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Lexington Family Law Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block profile
- Richmond office location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.