Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors mean up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies bring years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Richmond location serves Lexington clients facing assault, theft, drug, and DUI charges at Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Classes 1-4) and felonies (Classes 1-6). Class 1 misdemeanors, like assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carry maximum penalties of 12 months jail and $2,500 fines. Class 5 felonies, such as grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carry 1-10 years imprisonment. Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Lexington court information, visit the Lexington General District Court website for hours, forms, and procedures.
Lexington Criminal Court Process
Lexington General District Court processes misdemeanor cases within 4-8 weeks from arraignment. Felony preliminary hearings occur 21-60 days after arrest. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases in Lexington.
- Initial appearance: Appear at Lexington General District Court for arraignment. Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve your rights.
- Review discovery: Examine all evidence the Commonwealth’s Attorney plans to use against you, including police reports and witness statements.
- File pre-trial motions: Challenge evidence through motions to suppress if constitutional violations occurred during your arrest or investigation.
- Negotiate with prosecutor: Discuss potential plea agreements that may reduce charges or penalties based on case strengths and weaknesses.
- Prepare for trial: If no acceptable plea is reached, prepare for trial at Lexington General District Court or request jury trial in Circuit Court.
Lexington Criminal Penalties
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors bringing up to 12 months jail and Class 5 felonies carrying 1-10 years 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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony conviction record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Lexington Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to Lexington criminal cases. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
Lexington Criminal Defense 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. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI charges in Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent Lexington residents and those in surrounding communities. Criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and Washington and Lee University.
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
For more information about criminal defense throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby jurisdictions, consider our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer or Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in Lexington, explore our Lexington DUI/DWI lawyer or Lexington family law lawyer services. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.