Murder Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Legal Options?

A murder charge in Henrico County carries life in prison under Va. Code § 18.2-32. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County courts. A Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County from our firm can build a case-specific strategy for your situation.

Virginia Murder Laws and Definitions

Under Virginia law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. Va. Code § 18.2-32 classifies first-degree murder as any willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing. Second-degree murder covers killings with malice but without premeditation. A Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County must understand these statutory distinctions to build an effective defense.

Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-32 (official Virginia General Assembly)

Official Legal Resources

Insider Procedural Knowledge for Henrico County Murder Cases

In Henrico County, murder cases begin with a preliminary hearing in General District Court before moving to Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases aggressively.

Step 1: Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
Step 2: Preliminary hearing in Henrico County General District Court within 21-60 days.
Step 3: Indictment by grand jury if probable cause is found.
Step 4: Arraignment in Henrico County Circuit Court.
Step 5: Discovery, motions practice, and plea negotiations.
Step 6: Trial in Henrico County Circuit Court.

Penalties for Murder in Henrico County

In Henrico County, murder under Va. Code § 18.2-32 carries life imprisonment or a term of 20 years to life.

Offense	Classification	Incarceration	Fine	Additional Consequences
First-Degree Murder	Class 2 Felony	Life or 20 years to life	Up to $100,000	Loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition
Second-Degree Murder	Class 3 Felony	5 to 40 years	Up to $100,000	Loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Murder Defense

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. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our homicide defense lawyer Henrico County team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases.

Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. Our attorneys have handled murder cases at every level of Virginia’s court system.

Your Defense Team

Bryan Block — Of Counsel. Former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. Bar admissions: Virginia; U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia. His unique background as a former trooper provides rare insight into police procedures and evidence gathering.

Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. Bar admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Her prosecutorial experience gives her deep understanding of how the Commonwealth constructs murder cases.

Matthew Greene — Of Counsel. 30+ years of experience. Formerly death penalty certified. His extensive trial experience includes complex criminal defense matters.

Case Results in Henrico County

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals for charges such as reckless driving over 80 mph, passing a school bus, and selling alcohol to unauthorized persons.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Our Henrico County Legal Services

Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road), accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.

Searching for a murder charge defense strategy lawyer Henrico County? Our team is ready to help.

24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.

7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond

7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225

Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009

By appointment only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Murder Defense in Henrico County

What is the penalty for first-degree murder in Henrico County, Virginia?

Yes, first-degree murder under Va. Code § 18.2-32 carries life imprisonment or a term of 20 years to life. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases at Henrico County Circuit Court.

Can murder charges be reduced in Henrico County?

It depends. Murder charges may be reduced to voluntary manslaughter or second-degree murder through plea negotiations or at trial. A Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County can evaluate whether mitigating factors apply to your case.

How long does a murder case take in Henrico County?

A murder case typically takes 6-18 months from arrest to resolution in Henrico County. The preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days, followed by grand jury indictment and Circuit Court trial.

What defenses are available for murder charges in Virginia?

Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, mistaken identity, and insufficient evidence. A murder charge defense strategy lawyer Henrico County can determine which defenses apply to your specific circumstances.

Do I need a lawyer immediately after a murder arrest in Henrico County?

Yes. You should request a lawyer immediately and not speak to law enforcement without counsel present. The Henrico County magistrate sets bond shortly after arrest, and early legal intervention is critical.

Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.

Henrico County Murder Defense Lawyer | SRIS, P.C.