Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Criminal Defense Statutes in Colonial Heights
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Colonial Heights prosecutes offenses including assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended license (§ 46.2-301). Sentencing follows § 19.2-295.1, and expungement for acquittals or dismissals is governed by § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: March 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Criminal Law Resources
Colonial Heights Criminal Court Process
Colonial Heights General District Court at 550 Boulevard handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Colonial Heights Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Colonial Heights General District Court: Appear at 550 Boulevard, enter a plea, and request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence with your attorney. File motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or first offender program: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. First offender programs may lead to dismissal.
- Appeal or expungement: Appeal GDC decisions to Colonial Heights Circuit Court. File expungement for acquittals or dismissals.
Criminal Penalties in Colonial Heights
In Colonial Heights, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, firearm prohibition |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Criminal Defense Experience in Colonial Heights
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Colonial Heights criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement insight to defense strategy.
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
Colonial Heights Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas in Colonial Heights with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Colonial Heights General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Colonial Heights
Our Richmond location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard). We represent clients throughout Colonial Heights and surrounding communities. Accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 144 (Temple Avenue).
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 Colonial Heights, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights General District Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834). 4 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 4 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Colonial Heights. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Colonial Heights are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Colonial Heights General District Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 4 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 Colonial Heights?
Colonial Heights General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Colonial Heights 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. Colonial Heights General District Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834) is the GDC location.
Related Criminal Defense Resources
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.