Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Lexington, Virginia, criminal charges like assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) are Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach for your defense at Lexington General District Court. Contact us 24/7.
Criminal defense in Lexington involves handling charges at the Lexington General District Court, located at 2 South Main Street. The firm’s combined experience offers a strong defense strategy case-specific to local procedures.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia categorizes crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, defined under Va. Code Title 18.2. In Lexington, the Lexington General District Court handles initial proceedings for all criminal matters. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault or petit larceny of items valued under $1,000, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Felonies, like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more) or malicious wounding, carry potential state prison sentences from one year to life, depending on the class.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For local court procedures and forms, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Local Court Process in Lexington
The criminal process in Lexington begins at the Lexington General District Court. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office handle all cases. The court offers first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants, which can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: You will appear before a magistrate within 24-48 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: You formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Lexington General District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. You review all prosecution evidence, including police reports and witness statements.
- Negotiation or Trial Preparation: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or explores diversion programs like first offender under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Trial or Disposition: You proceed to a bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or demand a jury trial in Lexington Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Lexington, a criminal conviction carries penalties ranging from fines and probation to significant jail time, with felonies potentially resulting in state prison sentences.
| 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 typically | Permanent criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution orders |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 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, prison time, restitution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the discretion of the judge.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into traffic and criminal investigations common in the Lexington area. We focus on full representation, using our experience to handle the details of your case.
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
Documented Case Results in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia. These outcomes include charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved without jail time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Serving the Lexington Community
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts, accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington and the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), we represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 (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 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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges in Lexington, consider our Lexington DUI lawyer or Lexington family law lawyer services. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.