In Gloucester County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 documented case results in Gloucester County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. An Aiding and Abetting lawyer Gloucester County can help you understand your options.
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law is codified under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Gloucester County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
If you are accused of helping someone commit a crime, you may need an accessory charge defense lawyer Gloucester County to protect your rights.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Gloucester County General District Court website.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond conditions.
- Arraignment at Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102).
- Discovery phase where the prosecution must share evidence with your defense.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge (GDC) or jury (Circuit Court) for offenses carrying jail time.
- Sentencing or appeal to Gloucester County Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Gloucester County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution to victim |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia family law, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect systemic legal change.
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
Kristen Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, also handles criminal defense matters in Gloucester County. Her prosecution background provides strategic advantages in case evaluation and negotiation.
In Gloucester County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include:
- Reckless driving by speed 83/55 (Va. Code § 46.2-862) — reduced to 74/55 speeding in Gloucester County GDC.
- Reckless driving by speed 85/55 (Va. Code § 46.2-862) — amended to improper control/driving in Gloucester County GDC.
- Reckless driving improper brakes (Va. Code § 46.2-853) — dismissed in Gloucester General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible from Gloucester County via Route 17 and Route 3. We serve clients in Gloucester and Gloucester Point.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Gloucester County? Our team is available 24/7.
Neighborhoods served: Gloucester, Gloucester Point.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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 are heard at Gloucester County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Gloucester County, Virginia?
Yes, 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 Gloucester County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Gloucester County General District Court. Public defender eligibility is based on income.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Gloucester County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Gloucester County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Gloucester County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Gloucester County?
Gloucester County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Gloucester 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.