Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Lexington, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a distinct strategic edge in Lexington General District Court.
A criminal charge in Lexington requires immediate legal action to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia’s criminal code, primarily under Title 18.2, defines offenses prosecuted in Lexington. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington handles all prosecutions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia Legislative Information System. For court procedures and forms, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process and Defense Strategy
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for Lexington occur at Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street. The court serves the Twenty-fifth Judicial District. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal for eligible defendants.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Lexington General District Court. A not guilty plea sets the case for trial.
- Discovery and Motion Practice: Review evidence provided by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports a Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Lexington Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to over a decade in prison, depending on the classification and specific statute violated.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years (or 12 months if treated as misdemeanor) | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or 12 months/$2,500) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Mandatory minimum for distribution near schools |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the effectiveness of your legal representation.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for many first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman (charging approximately 10%), is standard for felonies. Public defender eligibility is based on income, with court-appointed attorney fees ranging from $120 for misdemeanors to $445 or more for felonies.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Lexington Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique combination of former prosecutorial insight and former law enforcement experience to Lexington criminal cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. “Global advocacy. Local precision.” Our Richmond location strategically serves Lexington clients.
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 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 dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. Our criminal defense lawyer near Lexington represents clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities like those near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges in Lexington, consider our Lexington DUI lawyer or Lexington family law lawyer services. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.