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 attorneys provide a strategic defense at Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This includes definitions for offenses like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and drug possession. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes these cases, which are heard at the Lexington General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, or the Lexington Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Lexington General District Court website provided by the Virginia Judicial System.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
The criminal process in Lexington begins with an arrest or summons. Your first court date is an arraignment at Lexington General District Court, where you enter a plea. For misdemeanors, your trial will be in GDC. For felonies, a preliminary hearing in GDC determines if there’s enough evidence for a trial in Lexington Circuit Court.
- Initial Appearance: Appear at Lexington General District Court for arraignment, where charges are formally read and you enter a plea.
- Review Discovery: Your attorney obtains and reviews all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, including police reports and witness statements.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal grounds, such as improper police procedure.
- Negotiation or Trial: Engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor or proceed to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties defined by Virginia law, ranging from fines for minor infractions to years of incarceration for felonies.
| 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 (< $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time likely for repeat offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case, prior record, and court discretion.
Our Experience in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 14 case results in Lexington across all practice areas. Our attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into police investigations and procedures relevant to Lexington 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 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. Each case is unique and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts on 2 South Main Street. We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities like those near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University. Our criminal defense lawyers are accessible via I-81 and I-64.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — By appointment only
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
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 areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with related matters in Lexington, consider our DUI/DWI lawyer or family law lawyer services. Learn more about Bryan Block.
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 updated guidance.