Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In King William County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases ranging from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft over $1,000). The court follows Virginia’s sentencing guidelines under § 19.2-295.1, with expungement available for acquittals and dismissals per § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm understands both prosecution strategies and defense tactics.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
King William County Court Process
King William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For felony cases, the preliminary hearing determines if sufficient evidence exists to bind the case over to King William County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment in General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201).
- Discovery and motion filing: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor for reduced charges.
- Appeal or sentencing: Appeal to King William County Circuit Court for jury trial if convicted. For felonies, Circuit Court handles sentencing after GDC preliminary hearing.
Criminal Penalties in King William County
In King William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| 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 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Filing fees: Court-appointed attorney fee ranges from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies. Bond amounts are set by the magistrate—personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%).
Criminal Defense Experience in King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings former prosecutor insight to King William County criminal cases. Founded in 1997, our firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former Virginia State Troopers and former Maryland prosecutors who understand law enforcement procedures from both sides.
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
King William County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County: 2 reduced/amended charges, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. These results include negotiated reductions from felony to misdemeanor charges and dismissals through first offender programs.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near King William County
Our Richmond location serves clients at King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). We represent residents of King William, West Point, and Aylett, accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33.
Criminal defense lawyer near King William County Courthouse and West Point. Serving the King William County area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William 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 King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William 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 King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William 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 King William County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in King William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 2 documented results: 2 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 King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William 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. King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- King William County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area
- King William County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Primary attorney
- Richmond Office Location — Serving King William County
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.