Obstruction Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Obstruction of justice in Henrico County is a serious charge under Va. Code § 18.2-460, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County, with 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 1 reduced.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Obstruction of Justice Law
Virginia law defines obstruction of justice broadly under Va. Code § 18.2-460. The statute makes it illegal to knowingly obstruct a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other person in the performance of their duties. This can include providing false information, physically interfering, fleeing, or refusing to comply with a lawful command. The charge is often paired with resisting arrest under § 18.2-460(C). The prosecution must prove you acted willfully and knowingly to impede an official. Defenses often challenge whether the officer was acting lawfully or if your actions were intentional.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to building a strong defense against obstruction charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 18.2-460 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures for Henrico County are handled at the Henrico County General District Court.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or summons.
- Your attorney will request all police reports, body camera footage, and 911 recordings.
- We will file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence if the officer lacked probable cause.
- We negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal, often using first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- If necessary, we prepare for a bench trial in General District Court or demand a jury trial in Henrico County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Obstruction of Justice in Henrico County
In Henrico County, obstruction of justice is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice (§ 18.2-460) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record; can affect employment, housing, professional licenses. |
| Resisting Arrest (§ 18.2-460(C)) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Often charged together; indicates a physical struggle with police. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Obstruction Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us unmatched insight into how these cases are built and how to challenge them. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep commitment to impacting the law. We have documented over 4,739 case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
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 Henrico County
Our Richmond location has a documented record in Henrico County courts. In one case, a charge of Obstruction of Justice was dismissed at the Henrico County General District Court after we challenged the legality of the underlying police stop. In another, a client facing both Obstruction and Resisting Arrest had the Obstruction charge dropped in a plea agreement that resulted in no jail time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which is particularly useful in cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Contact Our Henrico County Obstruction Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We represent individuals from Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Obstruction defense lawyer near Henrico County General District Court. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is obstruction of justice in Virginia?
It is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-460. It involves knowingly obstructing a law enforcement officer or other official in their duties, which can include giving false information or physically interfering.
Can I be charged with obstruction for just arguing with police?
It depends. Mere verbal argument is generally not enough. The prosecution must prove you knowingly and willfully impeded an official duty. An obstruction defense lawyer Henrico County can argue that your speech was protected and did not constitute a physical or deliberate obstruction.
What is the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest?
Obstruction of justice is a broader charge for interfering with an officer’s duties. Resisting arrest under § 18.2-460(C) is a specific type of obstruction that involves using force or violence to prevent an arrest. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Henrico County often deals with both charges filed together.
What are the penalties for obstruction in Henrico County?
Up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. It creates a permanent misdemeanor record that can affect jobs and licenses. An experienced obstruction defense lawyer Henrico County can seek dismissal, reduction, or enrollment in a first-offender program to avoid these penalties.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction charge?
Yes. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these charges vigorously. Even a misdemeanor can result in jail time. Our firm has documented results in Henrico County and can challenge the evidence of intent and the lawfulness of the officer’s actions.
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Henrico County DUI lawyer or family law attorney.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.