Obstruction Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
An obstruction of justice charge in King William County is a serious offense under Virginia law, often carrying jail time and a permanent criminal record. As an obstruction defense lawyer King William County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges like resisting arrest.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Obstruction of Justice Law
Obstruction of justice in Virginia is broadly defined under Va. Code § 18.2-460. The statute makes it unlawful to knowingly obstruct a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other person in the performance of their duties. This can include actions like providing false information, fleeing from an officer, or physically interfering with an arrest. Resisting arrest is a specific type of obstruction covered under this statute. The law is designed to protect the integrity of legal processes and ensure public safety officials can perform their jobs.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of how these charges are investigated and prosecuted. We use this insight to build effective defense strategies for our clients facing obstruction allegations.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-460 (official Virginia General Assembly statute on obstruction of justice)
- King William County General District Court website (official .gov site)
Local Court Process for Obstruction Charges
Obstruction and resisting arrest cases in King William County begin at the King William County General District Court located at 351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King William County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that these charges are often filed alongside other offenses, such as disorderly conduct or assault on an officer, which can increase the potential penalties. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for these charges.
- Arraignment: Your first court date where the charge is formally read, and you enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if your rights were violated during the arrest.
- Negotiation: We engage with the prosecutor to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charge, often arguing the officer’s actions were not lawful or the resistance was minimal.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, we prepare for a bench trial before a judge in General District Court, presenting evidence and cross-examining the officer.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction in King William County
In King William County, obstruction of justice is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Resisting arrest is also a Class 1 misdemeanor under the same statute.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice (Va. Code § 18.2-460) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record; can affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. |
| Resisting Arrest (under § 18.2-460) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Often charged with other offenses; viewed negatively by courts and future employers. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. In King William County, we have a track record of handling sensitive criminal matters. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us unique insight into how the other side builds their cases.
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 King William County
Our firm has documented results in King William County. In one case, we represented a client charged with reckless driving at 66/35 mph (Va. Code § 46.2-862). The charge was amended down to a lesser infraction of 54/35 mph in the King William County General District Court. In another local case, a reckless driving charge for 20+ mph over the speed limit was amended to a 49/35 mph infraction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, brings additional strategic depth. He personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) and maintains a selective caseload of complex matters.
Contact Our King William County Obstruction Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in King William County. We are accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. If you need an obstruction defense lawyer King William County or a resisting arrest defense lawyer King William County near the King William County Courthouse or in communities like West Point and Aylett, we are here to help.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor, like obstruction of justice, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Cases are heard at the King William County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and cases where the prosecutor drops the charge (nolle prosequi) under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be removed from your record. The petition is filed in King William County Circuit Court.
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after an arrest. For first-offense misdemeanors like obstruction, personal recognizance (no payment) is common. For more serious charges, a secured bond requiring a bail bondsman (who charges about 10%) is typical. Bond decisions can be appealed to the General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for an obstruction charge in King William County?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor obstruction charge can result in jail time and creates a permanent record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively. Having an experienced obstruction defense lawyer is crucial to protect your rights.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King William County?
Two. The King William County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The King William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from the GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense with potential jail time.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, explore our King William County DUI defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.