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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Bedford County criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Bedford County General District Court under Va. Code Title 18.2; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Bedford County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide strong defense strategies for misdemeanors and felonies.
Criminal Law in Bedford County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in state statutes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 19.2-295.1, while felonies can result in prison sentences of one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Bedford County 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). Court procedures and forms for Bedford County are available through the Bedford County General District Court website.
Bedford County Court Process
Bedford County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bedford County prosecutes cases, and defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond conditions.
- Arraignment at Bedford County General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Misdemeanor trial in General District Court or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- For felony charges, possible indictment and transfer to Bedford County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing if convicted, or expungement petition if case is dismissed.
Criminal Penalties in Bedford County
In Bedford County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, with assault and battery under § 18.2-57 classified as Class 1 misdemeanors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation in Bedford County criminal matters.
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 Bedford County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Bedford County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable—a 100% favorable outcome rate for criminal defense matters in this jurisdiction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Bedford County courts (123 East Main Street), accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Bedford County serving Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. 24/7 phone consultations—(888) 437-7747—meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford 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).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford 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 Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Bedford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Bedford County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Bedford County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford 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.
Related Legal Services
For full Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions including Shenandoah County criminal defense and Frederick County criminal defense. In Bedford County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
