Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Criminal Charges in Lexington, Virginia
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 (Va. Code § 18.2-11). A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-95). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Handling a Criminal Case in Lexington Court
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes these cases.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: After arrest, a magistrate will set a bond. For many first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance (no payment) is common.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Lexington General District Court.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case will proceed to a bench trial in GDC or, for felonies, a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Lexington Circuit Court for a new trial.
Lexington Criminal Penalties
In Lexington, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. Bond for felonies typically requires a secured bond through a bail bondsman.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Experience in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience and a documented record of 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Our Lexington defense team includes Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into police procedures and evidence challenges.
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
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license. Cases are heard at Lexington General District Court.
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 a deferred disposition program.
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. A secured bond (a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to Lexington General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers and landlords.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Lexington?
Lexington General District Court (GDC) 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 potential jail time.
Case Results in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities, accessible via I-81 and I-64.
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also assist 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. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond office page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.