In Chesterfield County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Chesterfield County, charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 6 felonies (1-5 years in prison). The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all cases at the Chesterfield County General District Court, located at 9500 Courthouse Road. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides criminal defense representation in Chesterfield County.
For the official Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court procedures and forms, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes cases. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately after arrest or citation.
- Request a copy of the warrant or summons to understand the specific charge.
- Attend all scheduled court hearings at 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.
- Discuss first offender program eligibility with your attorney before the arraignment.
- File any motions (e.g., to suppress evidence) within the statutory deadlines.
- Prepare for trial or negotiate a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, 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 | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Possession of Marijuana (§ 18.2-250.1) | Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | 6-month license suspension | Criminal record, possible deferred disposition |
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 VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia law.
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
In Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Chesterfield County General District Court, accessible via I-95 and Route 10.
Searching for a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield County? We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor 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 Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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.
Internal links:
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.