Criminal charges in Henrico County carry serious penalties — a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 can mean up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A Child Exploitation Lawyer Henrico County understands the high stakes of these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor 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. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Henrico County General District Court at 4301 East Parham Road handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Henrico County General District Court website.
In Henrico County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek jail time for first-offense misdemeanors. The court calendar moves quickly — arraignment to trial often takes 4-8 weeks. Acting early gives your attorney time to file motions, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and explore first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Step 1 — Contact a lawyer immediately. Do not speak to police without counsel. Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney.
- Step 2 — Gather all documents. Collect the summons, bond paperwork, and any evidence. Share everything with your attorney.
- Step 3 — Attend arraignment. Your first court date at Henrico County General District Court. Your attorney can appear on your behalf for most misdemeanors.
- Step 4 — Discovery and motions. Your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence and files suppression motions if your rights were violated.
- Step 5 — Negotiate or prepare for trial. Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. If no acceptable offer, prepare for trial.
- Step 6 — Trial or plea. Misdemeanor trials in GDC are bench trials. Felony trials in Circuit Court are jury trials. Your attorney advises on the best path.
In Henrico County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time. The table below outlines the standard classifications and consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. Our tagline — Advocacy Without Borders — reflects our commitment to clients across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Our team also includes Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney with over a decade of prosecutorial experience, and Matthew Greene, who brings 30+ years of criminal defense experience including death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria.
In Henrico County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty and 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible from Henrico County courts via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve clients in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County? Our Richmond location is minutes from Short Pump Town Center and the Innsbrook Corporate Center.
Neighborhoods served: Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
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?
Yes. 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. 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?
Yes. 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.
Internal links: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County DUI Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.