In Chesterfield County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. An Arson Lawyer Chesterfield County can help you fight fire-related charges.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Chesterfield 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. Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) or Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes all criminal cases. An arson charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County understands these classifications and their specific penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled criminal defense for over 25 years.
Review the official statutes at Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Chesterfield County General District Court website for procedural information.
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court at 9500 Courthouse Road processes cases efficiently. An arson charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County knows the local procedures. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Step 1: Contact an attorney immediately after arrest or citation.
- Step 2: Appear at Chesterfield County General District Court for arraignment.
- Step 3: Request discovery and review evidence with your lawyer.
- Step 4: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a plea or diversion.
- Step 5: Proceed to trial or accept a plea agreement.
- Step 6: File for expungement if charges are dismissed or you are found not guilty.
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time depending on the classification.
| 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 | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting 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 tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” For VA family law matters, Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. A fire-related criminal charge lawyer Chesterfield County from our team brings this depth of experience to your case.
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
In Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Chesterfield County General District Court, accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Searching for a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield County? We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.