Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Hanover County
Virginia criminal law categorizes offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Class 1-4) and felonies (Class 1-6). Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Hanover County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials. Common charges include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended license (§ 46.2-301).
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Title 18.2 Crimes and Offenses). Court information and procedures for Hanover County are available at the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Criminal Court Process
Hanover County criminal cases begin with arrest and bond determination by a magistrate. First-offense misdemeanors often receive personal recognizance bonds, while felonies typically require secured bonds through bail bondsmen (approximately 10% fee). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes all cases.
- Arrest and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond conditions after arrest at the Hanover County jail.
- Arraignment: You appear at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive) to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court; felony preliminary hearings determine if evidence supports Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in GDC, you can appeal to Hanover County Circuit Court for a new trial.
- Expungement: After acquittal or dismissal, file an expungement petition in Hanover County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Hanover County Criminal Penalties
In Hanover County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, and Class 6 felonies 1-5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug education program |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Hanover County Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Hanover County criminal cases. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block with 15 years of law enforcement experience and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating our firm’s legislative influence.
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 Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 case dismissed or not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Hanover County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive). We represent clients throughout Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. Accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33.
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 Hanover County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Hanover County 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 Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover County, 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
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 ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover County 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%).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Hanover County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For Virginia criminal defense overview, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring counties: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer.
In Hanover County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense and family law cases.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background or visit our Richmond location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.