Obstruction Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
An obstruction of justice charge in Henrico County is a serious Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-460, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. As an obstruction defense lawyer Henrico County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County. Our former prosecutor and former state troofer attorneys provide a strong defense against these charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Obstruction of Justice
Obstruction of justice in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-460. The law prohibits knowingly obstructing a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other person in the performance of their duties. This can include providing false information, fleeing, or physically interfering. The statute is broad, and charges often arise from tense interactions where intent is unclear. In Henrico County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Henrico County General District Court at 4301 East Parham Road.
For official statute text, see Va. Code § 18.2-460 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, visit the Henrico County General District Court website.
An obstruction defense lawyer Henrico County must understand local court procedures. The Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor obstruction trials. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Henrico County will note that these charges are frequently paired with others, like assault on an officer.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or summons.
- Your attorney will review the police report and any available video evidence.
- A motion may be filed to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence regarding your intent to obstruct.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, often seeking a reduction or dismissal.
- If necessary, your case will proceed to a bench trial in General District Court.
- You have an absolute right to appeal for a jury trial in Henrico County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Obstruction of Justice in Henrico County
In Henrico County, obstruction of justice is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Resisting arrest carries the same penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice (Va. Code § 18.2-460) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record, possible probation, impact on employment/immigration status |
| Resisting Arrest | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Often charged alongside assault, complicating defense |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Henrico County Courts
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-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Henrico County specifically, we have 8 documented criminal case results. Our deep familiarity with the Henrico County General District Court and the local Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office allows us to build effective defenses for obstruction and resisting arrest charges.
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
Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, whose 15 years of law enforcement experience provide a unique advantage in dissecting police reports and officer testimony in obstruction cases.
Henrico County Obstruction Defense Case Results
Our obstruction defense lawyer Henrico County team has secured favorable outcomes for clients. Documented results in Henrico County include charges dismissed for passing a school bus and reckless driving in excess of 80 mph. While every case is unique, our approach focuses on challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent, which is a required element for an obstruction conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Henrico County Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295, serving the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
If you need an obstruction of justice defense lawyer Henrico County or a resisting arrest defense lawyer Henrico County, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are by appointment only at our Richmond location.
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.
FAQs: Obstruction of Justice Defense in Henrico County
What is obstruction of justice in Virginia?
It is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-460 for knowingly obstructing a law enforcement officer, judge, or magistrate. This can include giving false information, fleeing, or physical interference.
Can obstruction charges be dropped in Henrico County?
It depends. An experienced obstruction defense lawyer Henrico County can often negotiate a dismissal, especially if the evidence of intent is weak or if the client qualifies for a first offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
What’s the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest?
Resisting arrest is a specific type of obstruction that occurs when an officer is attempting to lawfully arrest you. Both are Class 1 misdemeanors, but a resisting arrest charge requires proof that the arrest was lawful.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction charge?
Yes. Even as a misdemeanor, a conviction carries up to a year in jail and creates a permanent criminal record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases in Henrico County General District Court.
What are the defenses to an obstruction charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, that the officer was not engaged in official duties, or that your actions were protected speech. Each case requires a detailed review by a skilled obstruction defense lawyer Henrico County.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Henrico County DUI Lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.