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 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 the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes into misdemeanors and felonies under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Lexington, the Lexington General District Court handles initial proceedings for all criminal charges. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault or petit larceny under $1,000, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies, like grand larceny ($1,000+) or malicious wounding, are more serious and can result in prison time. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory knowledge to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, including forms and procedures, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process and Defense Strategy
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 2 South Main Street. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing determines if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to Lexington Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the jail. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment at Lexington General District Court: You appear before a judge to hear formal charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Your case proceeds to trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or you may negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing in GDC determines if evidence supports a Circuit Court trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification under Virginia law.
| 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 | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 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+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, prison time |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for many first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. For felonies, a secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman (charging approximately 10%). Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for a misdemeanor to $445 or more for a felony, based on income eligibility.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
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 to every case. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach in Lexington. We have a documented record of 14 case results in Lexington across all practice areas.
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 Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia. These results reflect our work in the local courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Service in Lexington
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 the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.