In Hanover County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty. A Securities Fraud lawyer Hanover County can help you understand your defense options.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Hanover County
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Class 1 misdemeanors, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Hanover County General District Court, located at 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for those facing criminal charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly legislative information system. For court procedures and forms, visit the Hanover County General District Court official website.
How Criminal Cases Work in Hanover County
Hanover County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes these cases. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal. Expungement is available for acquittals, nolle prosequi, and dismissals under § 19.2-392.2. An investment fraud defense lawyer Hanover County can provide guidance on complex financial cases.
- Arrest or Summons: You are either arrested and taken before a magistrate, or issued a summons with a court date.
- First Appearance: You appear at Hanover County General District Court for arraignment. Enter a plea and request a lawyer if needed.
- Pretrial Conference: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. This is where first-offender programs are typically offered.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials happen in GDC. Felony cases move to Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties. Your attorney can argue for reduced sentences or alternative programs.
- Appeal: You have 10 days to appeal a GDC conviction to Hanover County Circuit Court for a new trial.
In Hanover County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time. The table below shows standard ranges under Virginia law.
| 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 | Criminal record, potential civil liability |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Criminal record, possible vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Hanover County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Hanover County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Kristen Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010, contributes her prosecution experience to criminal defense strategies. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, oversees all complex criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Visit Our Richmond Location Serving Hanover County
Our Richmond location is accessible from Hanover County via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. We serve clients throughout Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. If you need a criminal defense lawyer near Hanover County, our team is ready to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Hanover County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Hanover 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 Hanover County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Hanover County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Hanover County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Hanover County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Hanover 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 Hanover County?
Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
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- Richmond Office Location
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.