Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
You have the right to a jury trial for any offense with potential jail time, which moves your case from General District Court to Henrico County Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia’s criminal statutes are codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Henrico County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes violations ranging from simple assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to felony larceny. The classification system dictates penalties: Class 1 and 2 misdemeanors, and Class 5 or 6 felonies. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this detailed knowledge of statutory construction to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal law, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Henrico County court procedures, dockets, and contact information, visit the Henrico County General District Court website.
Henrico County Court Process
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings start at Henrico County General District Court on East Parham Road. The court serves the Fourteenth Judicial District. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. For misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common. For felonies, expect a secured bond.
- Arraignment at Henrico County GDC: Formally hear charges and enter a plea at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road).
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or negotiate a plea agreement that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Appeal or Expungement: Appeal a GDC conviction to Henrico County Circuit Court for a jury trial. If case is dismissed, file for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Henrico County
In Henrico County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Disorderly Conduct | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible probation |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach in Henrico County. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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 Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts, and 1 charge was reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location is minutes from the Henrico County courts, accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve as a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County for residents of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. 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 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?
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. 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
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.
Related Legal Services
For a broader view of our criminal defense practice, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby jurisdictions like Chesterfield County and Hanover County. In Henrico County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving charges. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.