In Chesterfield County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 phone consultations.
Virginia Criminal Law: Statutory Framework in Chesterfield County
Virginia criminal law is codified under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and § 19.2-295.1 (sentencing). In Chesterfield County, criminal charges are classified by severity. Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felonies are classified as Class 5 (1-10 years) or Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes all criminal cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides criminal defense representation in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Government Resources for Chesterfield County Criminal Cases
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly’s official code site for Title 18.2. For court rules, procedures, and forms specific to Chesterfield County, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court official website.
Insider Knowledge: Chesterfield County Criminal Court Process
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment in Chesterfield County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery phase: prosecution must provide evidence within 14 days.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in General District Court (bench trial) or Circuit Court (jury trial).
- Sentencing hearing if convicted; appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Possession of Marijuana (§ 18.2-250.1) | Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | 6-month license suspension | First-offender program available |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Chesterfield County Criminal Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us insider knowledge of how the Chesterfield County criminal justice system operates. We provide case-specific defense strategies for each client.
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
Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). One example: a Possession of Marijuana charge under Virginia 18.2-250.1 was resolved with a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) in Chesterfield General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
We serve clients in Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield County? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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 are heard at Chesterfield County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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
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- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.