Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Virginia law.
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies crimes into misdemeanors and felonies under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault or petit larceny under $1,000, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny, carries 1-10 years in prison. The Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Henrico County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials held at Henrico County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Henrico County Court Process
Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 4301 East Parham Road. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available for eligible charges, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at Henrico County GDC, hear charges, and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial: Your attorney files motions and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felonies move to Circuit Court after preliminary hearing.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal: You can appeal a GDC conviction to Henrico County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Henrico County Criminal Penalties
In Henrico County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and evidence.
Our Experience in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have achieved 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 reduced or amended. Our tagline is “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
Case Results in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road), accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County and Short Pump Town Center.
We serve Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
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 Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico County, 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (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 Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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. Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.