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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Virginia law.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation in Lexington criminal cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, visit the Lexington General District Court website for hours, forms, and contact details.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24-48 hours of arrest for bond determination. Request personal recognizance for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Lexington GDC: Enter a plea of not guilty at your arraignment date. This preserves your right to a trial and discovery.
- Discovery and Motion Filing: Request all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case. Negotiate for reduced charges or consider a bench trial before Judge Billias.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, present mitigating evidence for a reduced sentence. For misdemeanors, you can appeal to Lexington Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to years of imprisonment, 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, theft conviction record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, prior record, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Lexington Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases in Lexington. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of the courtroom. We have achieved 4,739+ 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
Case Results in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Our experience includes successful resolutions for assault, theft, drug possession, and traffic offenses in Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64, representing clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute 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.
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 on criminal defense throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby jurisdictions including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Lexington, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
