Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (punishable by up to 12 months jail) and felonies (1 year to life). Henrico County prosecutes cases under Virginia’s criminal code, primarily Title 18.2. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly criminal statutes
Official Legal Resources
Review the actual Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court-specific procedures: Henrico County General District Court website.
Henrico County Court Process
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office handle all cases.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Henrico County General District Court.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review prosecution evidence. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Preliminary hearing (felonies): For felony charges, a judge determines if probable cause exists to bind the case over to Circuit Court.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court, or negotiate a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, present mitigation evidence. If acquitted or dismissed, file for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Henrico County
In Henrico County, criminal charges carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years; Class 6 felony 1-5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| 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) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, criminal history, and court discretion.
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).
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Henrico County Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
In Henrico County, we have 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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 charge reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We represent residents throughout 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 Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.