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 case results in Lexington. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys provide a case-specific defense strategy at Lexington General District Court. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Criminal defense in Lexington involves handling the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street, where misdemeanors are tried and felony preliminary hearings are held.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes into misdemeanors and felonies, defined under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious, can result in up to 12 months incarceration and a $2,500 fine. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years, or up to 12 months at jury discretion). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory knowledge to build strong defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute.
- Lexington General District Court website — court information and procedures.
Lexington Court Process
All criminal cases in Lexington begin at the Lexington General District Court. This court handles misdemeanor trials and the initial hearing for felonies. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Lexington Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Arraignment: You will appear at Lexington General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery: Your attorney will file for discovery to obtain all police reports, witness statements, and evidence.
- Motion Practice: Your attorney may file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Resolution: Your case may resolve through a plea agreement, a bench trial in GDC, or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties in Lexington
In Lexington, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 6 felony carries 1 to 5 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time likely if suspended for DUI |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and your defense strategy.
Why Choose Our Lexington Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to your defense. Founded in 1997, our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Lexington defense is led by attorneys with direct insight into the system: former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher.
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, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results include charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved without jail time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Serving Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, we also serve the surrounding communities of Lexington. 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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-level hub.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — learn more about your attorney.
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.